For most men, their father is their number one hero.
All those times since we were little, our fathers showed us the way on how to be strong yet sensitive, courageous yet caring men. They are our role models in whatever career we want to be in.
And when we grew up, we will to do anything to make them feel special.
We think we all do want that for our parents, right? We can only imagine all the sacrifices they made for us. Any way we could, we try to pay them back even with the simplest tribute.
This is what this son did for his father, who was retiring from service.
Officer Brian Berrigan served for 25 years in Phillipsburg Police Station. It was a long yet fulfilling service. So, his son, Dean, who worked as a cop alongside him, thought of a proper send-off for his father.
Dean broadcasted his father’s final call, which sent his father to tears.
After getting permission to speak and broadcast over the radio, Dean started his speech as a tribute to his father.
“It is with enormous pride that today, December 30th, 2019, at 16:36 hours, I, your son, badge number 328, deliver your final call.”
He took it back to 25 years ago when his father graduated from the Police Academy.
Officer Brian did not just graduate from the Police Academy at that time. It was also the first time he held Dean in his arms.
It is but serendipitous that after 25 years, they stand side-by-side as ‘brothers’ in the force.
He gave a short tribute to his Dad, starting with a simple ‘thank you.’
He said that many people would like to express their ‘thanks’ to his father, especially those he helped, protected, and served in all his 25 years of service in Phillipsburg.
The police department, too, was thankful for his service. But the biggest thanks of all came from his son for being the best role model he could ask for.
“You’re not only my father, but you have been my career mentor. It was an honor to serve by your side for the last six months wearing the same uniform. As a fellow officer, I salute you. As your son, I’m going to miss you here. We’re all gonna miss you.”
Dean reminded his father that while retirement was the end of something great, it was also the beginning of something better.
He reminded him that while he is now retired from service, he is never gone and that the police department will always be there for him.
And in the end, he called ‘Officer Berrigan, Badge 299’ and gave him the signal to call himself cleared and off duty for the last time.
Officer Brian Berrigan was in his police car fighting back tears the whole time.
He composed himself, held the radio in his hand, and made his final call: “299, off duty.” But of course, he replied to his son, saying, “I love you, too, Dean.”
What a wonderful father-son moment.
See Dean’s heartwarming send-off to his dad and fellow officer below!
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