HUBBARD TOWNSHIP — It was an emotional day as township officials, residents and family members said farewell to one of its longest serving police officers.

William Greene, who served the township’s police department for 28 years and was sworn in as captain last June after becoming acting chief, celebrated his retirement Friday.

Greene spent his entire 28 years in the township, starting as a reserve officer with the township in 1996 and being promoted to a full-time officer several years later.

Sgt. Ron Reed, who was appointed as interim chief after Greene’s retirement was accepted by the township Nov. 12, presented him with his retired captains’ badge and a card.

“The department is going to be totally different but the same without him and we’re going to miss him 100%,” Reed said. “However, he is still staying on as a reserve, so I still get to call him chief every time I see him.”

Community members gathered outside as Reed pulled a police SUV up to the township building for Greene’s “final call,” a time-honored tradition where members of the first responder community gather around a public safety radio, over which a final announcement is made to honor that person’s service.

Township dispatcher Jim Richmond presided over the call after the original dispatcher said she knew she’d cry midway through giving the announcement.

“Over the last year, you worked diligently protecting our community, as well as leading and protecting those that worked for you; know that you’re appreciated by all at the Hubbard Township PD,” Richmond said. “To your wife, children and grandchildren, thank you for your sacrifices all these years. Thank you for sharing your husband, father and grandfather with the citizens of Hubbard Township.”

“Nothing can bring back the missed events, parties, dinners or times, but just know every day, a difference was being made in the lives he touched,” Richmond added.

Greene’s retirement from the township might close the book on one story for him, but it also opens another.

Hubbard Board of Education appointed him as the school’s new resource officer, filling a position that was filled by township officers “pretty regularly,” according to Reed at an October regular meeting.

“I’m going to enjoy this adventure and there’s lots of new people to meet, and even though it’s still in some form of law enforcement, it’s a lot different,” Greene said.