Perry recognizes Capt. Bill Phelps’ 25 years of service

Twenty-five down. Twenty more to go. Or at least that – the 20 – was the joking-but-not-really request of Perry Mayor Jimmy Faircloth to Capt. Bill Phelps during the latter’s recognition ceremony Tuesday.

“Captain you’ve heard me talk about corporate memory,” Faircloth said. “(Well), I think you wrote the book on it from that standpoint. I can’t express the gratitude that not only I but the city council has for the dedication of service you have given to the City of Perry.

“And it continues to this day,” he added. “We call on you to do more things, a lot of which you don’t want to do and I understand that, but that’s part of the nature of this job and you do it with character and integrity unparalelled by any that I’m aware of.

“We are the envy of police departments and you are a large reason why.”

Phelps not only has 25 years to show for his time at the Perry Police Department, he also served 30 years in the Army, Perry Police Chief Steve Lynn pointed out. And, said Lynn, he retired from the Reserves with the rank of colonel. Eighteen of Phelps’ time has been at the rank of captain, Lynn also noted. And he has served in the detective division and the patrol division, his current assignment.

“Suffice it to say, Bill Phelps is the backbone of this organization,” Lynn said. “He is well-known, well-respected in this community.

“I can’t tell you how much I depend upon him every day. He’s our planner. He’s always been on top of things. As soon as they announce a date, he’s already started planning for it. Even though it might be 30 days away. And that’s a valuable asset to have.”

The humble Phelps first thanked God for giving him the health and strength. Then he thanked his family.

As to the result of both: “When you’re dealing with people, you have to have a standard of how you treat them,” he said. “You have to do it right.”

He has, and he will – if Faircloth has his way, at least 20 more years’ worth.

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