Gross

“I started in patrol,” and also volunteered for the Springfield Ambulance, which he continued with for close to 15 years, he said.

Twenty years ago, Gross was promoted to corporal and became the traffic safety officer, dealing with traffic matters, doing crash investigations and managing the crossing guards, he said.

“I was also the point of contact for a lot of the calls that come in,” Gross said.

“The police department is tasked with solving problems,” he said. “Some are created by the people themselves, for others it’s just part of life, and they come to the police for help. Sometimes that’s arresting them and forcing them to get the help they need.”

Gross said he’s been approached several times over the years by people he’s arrested who told him “had it not been for that intervention, they don’t know what they would have become; it forced them to get on the right track.”

“It’s been very rewarding; there’s a lot of satisfaction,” he said. “It’s not too often police hear thank-you; it’s so meaningful.”

His wife retired 11 years ago and has been waiting for him to retire, Gross said, and at age 65, “it’s time.”

In addition to spending more time with his wife, four children and six grandchildren, he’ll be able to spend more with his horses — a mini horse and Welsh pony, he said.

“I just plan to enjoy my retirement, with my wife and ponies and doing things around the house that are long overdue,” Gross said.

“I have no regrets. You don’t do this for 43 years when you don’t like what you’re doing,” he said.

“I always determined, if I was going to be here, I will do the best I can.”