SARASOTA, Fla. — The video of Sarasota officer Andre Jenkins signing off for the last time has gone viral. It has more than a half million views and even President Trump retweeted the video.
“Everybody has been calling me, friends from Atlanta, New York, I was like oh my god,” said Jenkins.
VIDEO | Tearful moment Sarasota officer signs off for retirement after 30 years
Officer Jenkins joined the force in 1988. He wanted to become a police officer to help the community he grew up in.
"I wanted to make a change in my community and felt the best way to do that is work there and stay at police department,” said Jenkins.
Jenkins said he always enjoyed his job, but he was concerned when a "hit" was put out on him about twenty years ago.
"That was really the only time I was ever really concerned," said Jenkins.
Jenkins said retirement life is bitter-sweet.
“You always look forward to retirement, I thought I was ready, but when it came whew, it’s almost like losing my family,” said Jenkins.
He said he plans to travel and play more golf during retirement.
