Back in 1980, Jim Skinner accepted a position with the Frankfort Police Department. Last Thursday at the Prairie Creek Park Events Center in downtown Frankfort, Skinner said his goodbyes after 42 years with the FPD.
“I can’t imagine that this amount of people came out for this and I appreciate that,” said Skinner. “It’s means to such to me and it’s a great way to go out knowing I have this much support within the community.”
One of the many highlights in Skinner’s career came when he named Chief of Police by then Mayor Harold Woodruff. He was the youngest chief in the state at age of 33 and he held that position for eight years. He also wraps up his career as Deputy Police Chief for the last two-and-a-half years.
Skinner also said he enjoyed every moment with the staff and department but realized it was time to go.
“It’s just time for me to leave,” said Skinner.
One person that has been with the city longer than he has is Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets.
“I loved working with Jim,” said Sheets. “He’s been with the city for 42 years. So, I was with the city a couple of years before he came on. I worked with him for 27 years at the police department. He was absolutely great boss, very even keeled guy. I never saw him get upset and he was so respectful.”
Sheets presented Skinner with a key to the city for all work and endeavors.
FPD Chief of Police Scott Shoemaker said they’ve known about Skinner’s retirement even though he didn’t want him to leave.
“We’ve been preparing for this day for three years,” said Shoemaker. “As the time got closer, it got a little more nerve wracking because he’s been with me for two-and-a-half years. I don’t really make a decision without his input. So, that’s going to be a big void.
“Forty-two years is a long time,” continued Shoemaker. :”He’s seen changes in law enforcement, changes in people and changes in our city. So, it’s a big deal.”
Sheets summed up the day with the following.
“It’s a bittersweet day for not only the police department, but also for the city,” she said. “I’m excited for Jim and his family. He will missed by many.”