Reception honors retiring Jerry Vaughn

The City of Caraway hosted a retirement party for Police Chief Jerry Vaughn on Wednesday, Sept.30.

Caraway Mayor Barry Riley presented Vaughn with a plaque which read, "In appreciation of your 12 years of untiring service, as Chief of Police, in the City of Caraway, and for starting projects such as National Night Out, working as an ambulance driver, firefighter, and setting up a shelter to provide meals and a place to seep during the 2009 ice storm. Your loyalty and friendship to the City of Caraway will long be remembered. The Mayor, your co-workers, and citizens of this town wish you luck on your many years of retirement."

Newly appointed Police Chief Pete Hicks presented Vaughn with a Magnum knife with a police emblem.

"It has been an honor for me to serve as a policeman in Caraway," Vaughn said. "Our Sunday School class was talking about what people wanted to do as kids. I always dreamed of being a policeman. I got to live out my dream and go on to retire in what I dreamed of doing when I was a kid. That makes me a very lucky man."

Vaughn started his law enforcement career at Arkansas State University in 1983 as a part time security officer, serving for 12 years. He started to work at Caraway in 1997 as a police officer and was later promoted to police chief.

"I plan to take it easy for a while," Vaughn said. "I have my five children and nine grandchildren to keep me busy enough. I have considered applying for a job as a Riverside school bus driver. I think I would enjoy doing that."

Vaughn's family, city council members, co-workers, and several county officials were on hand to help him celebrate his retirement.