By Staff
Melissa Cason, Franklin County Times
After nearly a quarter of a century on the beat, one Russellville police officer took his badge off for the final time Friday.
Capt. David Hester will end his 23-year career with the Russellville Police Department on Dec. 31, 2007; however, he will be on annual leave and vacation until the end of the year.
"I am going to miss a lot of my co-workers and officers from other departments that I worked with frequently," Hester said.
While Friday was his last official day of work, Hester will remain contact with the department and the court system, as he will still have to attend court dates when his cases go to trial.
Hester began his career in law enforcement as a sheriff's deputy in 1980, at the age of 19.
"It's kind of funny now, but my mom signed for my first service pistol because I wasn't old enough to purchase a gun," Hester recalled.
He joined the Russellville Police Department in 1984, and worked under four different mayors and city councils, and under three police chiefs.
"Law enforcement has changed over the years," he said. "Some of it is for the better, but a lot of is it for the worst."
The laws on domestic violence crimes and driving under the influence have improved tremendously, but the laws for non-violent offenders have laxed because of prison overcrowding, he said.
Hester added that he is not ready to leave the world of law enforcement, and he plans to become Franklin County's first investigator dedicated to dealing with domestic violence crimes.
As the domestic violence investigator, Hester will work under the authority of District Attorney Joey Rushing. This new position is contingent on the approval of a grant.
"I enjoy working domestic violence cases and educating the public on domestic violence," he said.
Hester is also known for working sexual abuse crimes, and he admits that he enjoys working such cases so that he can get pedophiles off the streets.
"A pedophile is one of the most dangerous criminals on the streets today," Hester said.
Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett said that no replacement has been named and no timetable for naming a replacement has been set.