When David Turner joined the Louisiana Police Department 30 years ago, he was happy that he fulfilled his dream of going into law enforcement.

“I really enjoy serving the community and everything,” Turner said. “I thought that would be a good way to do so.”

Now, that long career of working in law enforcement has come to an end. Turner retired as chief of the Montgomery City Police Department on May 1. Recently, he was honored at a staff and family luncheon.

“I think I’m going to miss it a lot,” Turner said. “Being with the people and getting out and interacting with people on a daily basis will be a big thing that I’ll miss. But I’ll still be around the community. I’m not going anywhere.”

Turner worked for the MCPD for 25 years. When he joined the staff on May 1, 1998, he worked as a patrolman and K-9 officer. He later worked as sergeant before taking over police chief duties in 2016.

An open house is planned for Turner from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. on May 31 at City Hall.

“On behalf of the Mayor, Board of Aldermen and the City staff, we would like to thank Chief Turner for the years of service and dedication to the citizens of Montgomery City and for being a great co-worker and a better friend,” Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer Linda Block said. “We wish him well and hope he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. He will be greatly missed by all, especially his fellow officers.”

Turner said he decided to retire because of health reasons. He hasn’t been working since November.

“After numerous back surgeries, I just couldn’t do the things that I was tasked to do on a daily basis,” Turner said. “I was pretty much limited to desk work. I got to the point where I was missing being out on the road. I didn’t like the fact that I couldn’t be out there with the guys, working hand and hand with them and everything. So I decided it was time for me to move on and treat my body a little better and relax and let them have a chief who could get out there and actually get in the grind with them again.”

Turner was born and raised in Louisiana, which is located in Pike County. He graduated from the town’s high school in 1990. During that time, he was working as a shift manager at a Hardee’s restaurant before deciding to go into law enforcement at age 22. He joined the Louisiana Police Department in 1993 and worked as a patrolman, sergeant and assistant chief.

“I always wanted to be a police officer from high school on,” Turner said. “After high school, I went on to the academy. I got my certification and I was working as a reserve in Louisiana for a while. Then, I went full time there and ended up being the assistant chief.”

Turner said he was influenced by a friend named Joe Rouse to move south to Montgomery City and work for its police department. Rouse was a detective at the MCPD.

“He worked in Louisiana, too,” Turner said. “He said he really enjoyed it here. It didn’t have the politics like Louisiana does. That pretty much sold me right there.”

Turner said the best thing about working with the MCPD is its strong chemistry with the staff members.

“All of the guys pretty much got along, hung out together and did things together over the years,” he said. “There were guys who came and went. I worked with (city administrator) Steve (Deves) and Linda and everybody up front. It seemed like they care about their employees and care about everything. It seemed to be more like a family than coming to work.”

Now that he is retired, Turner will get to spend more time hanging out with his family and watching the Kansas City Chiefs.

“Right now, I’m going to relax, spoil my grandkids and go from there,” Turner said.