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WCVB Boston
After over 30 years of service, a Massachusetts police officer made his final radio call, but during his goodbye, he heard a voice over the radio he wasn't expecting.
Southbridge Officer Duane Ledoux made his final radio call July 25, a code five, which is what cops in this department say when they’ve wrapped up a scene. In a live video posted on Facebook, Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson acknowledged Ledoux for his years of service.
“After more than 31 years of service to the town of Southbridge, Officer Duane Ledoux badge 1041 is retiring and giving his final code five,” Woodson said over the radio. “I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors. Congratulations brother.”
[post_ads]Choking up, Ledoux thanked Woodson, the department, his family and his sons, Nick and Nate. Nick died in a car accident years ago and Nate was across the country, or at least, that’s where Ledoux thought Nate was.
“It is my sincere pleasure to announce that... on this day, after 32 ½ years of service, my father, Southbridge Police Officer Duane Ledoux, is retiring and has given his final code five,” Nate Ledoux says on the radio from headquarters.
Inside his cruiser, Ledoux looked at the camera with disbelief as he realized who was speaking over the radio. It was his son, who flew across the country to surprise his father on his last day on the job.
“It is my honor to acknowledge this code five. To set free a man who has sacrificed so much of his time for all of us, so that he may spend the rest of his life discovering new craft beer, exploring this beautiful country, and most importantly, chasing glory,” Nate Ledoux continued. “Dad, you are officially code five.”
From his cruiser, Ledoux was visibly emotional.
“He did come home,” Ledoux said, fighting tears. “He came home. I called that.”
