Troy officer retires after 40 years of service

TROY, N.Y. » After 40 years of service to the city of Troy, Assistant Police Chief George VanBramer celebrated his last day of service with a “Walk Out” ceremony.

On Friday morning, officers, city officials, and people in Troy gathered outside the Troy Police Department to say farewell to VanBramer.

Chief of Police, Brian Owens, began the ceremony by thanking VanBramer and speaking of his accomplishments and hard work over the 40 years he has been active as an officer.

VanBramer was first hired by the Troy Police Department on March 6, 1978. He worked for much of his career as a member of the Patrol Division and for a period of time in the Juvenile Bureau. He was also the first K9 Officer in Troy with his German Shepherd “Drago.”

In 1992, VanBramer as promoted to Sergeant and worked as a Patrol Supervisor until moving to the Detective Bureau as a Sergeant in 2004. He was then promoted to captain the following year.

On Nov. 18, 2011, VanBramer was named Assistant Chief of Patrol and has remained in that position until his retirement on Friday morning.

During his time as Assistant Chief, he commanded both the Patrol and Detective Divisions and earned over 56 letters of commendation and noteworthy police performance, along with letters of appreciation and gratitude from the public and outside agencies. He also received the Silver Shield award for heroism in 1986.

At the ceremony, VanBramer stood with his wife and sons and thanked his fellow officers and family members. He told the Troy Police Officers that they do a great job, leaving them with some words of wisdom and encouragement to continue their hard work.

“Use your head and your heart,” said VanBramer. “Those are the two components.”

Mayor Patrick Madden spoke of VanBramer’s devotion to the

people in Troy and the Police Department. He thanked Van Bramer for his service at the Walk Out cer- emony, wishing him a long retirement.

“I wish you a long and happy retirement, filled with the things that bring you joy,” said Madden. “I would like to thank the Van Bramer family for sharing this noble man with us.”

PHOTO BY DANIELLE EPTING, FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Retiring Assistant Chief George VanBramer says farewell and thanks Troy police officers and his family members.

PHOTO BY DANIELLE EPTING, FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Retiring Assistant Chief George VanBramer hugs a fellow officer.

PHOTO BY DANIELLE EPTING, FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Troy police officers line up to say farewell to Assistant Chief VanBramer outside the Troy Police Department.

PHOTO BY DANIELLE EPTING, FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Officers give a final salute to George VanBramer.