Newtown Police Department members celebrated the retirement of officer John McCluskey with a ceremony at their police department on Friday, March 28.

A large number of officers and members of the public, including First Selectman Jeff Capeci as well as family and friends, attended the ceremony to celebrate McCluskey and his 18 years of service in Newtown.

Capeci thanked McCluskey for his service to Newtown, adding how great it is to see so many people come together and honor McCluskey for the work he’s done over the years.

Before being hired by NPD in 2006, McCluskey retired from a 20 year career with the New York Police Department, where he achieved the rank of lieutenant. McCluskey went on to serve Newtown as a drone pilot, car seat technician, and advisor in the NPD’s youth cadet program. As a Newtown officer, McCluskey has received commendations for Bravery, Merit, and the Chief’s Service Award. He is also a United States Coast Guard Veteran.

While McCluskey is retiring from full-time service, he plans to remain active with NPD as a reserve officer.

NPD Chief David Kullgren recounted McCluskey’s history from New York to Newtown. He noted a particular field trip where McCluskey took NPD youth cadets on a field trip to the 9/11 memorial in New York. Kullgren said it was “more than a tour” and that McCluskey laid out his history through firsthand accounts as an NYPD member during and after the World Trade Center attacks.

“You gave them something that they’ll never forget,” Kullgren said. “There’s many stories like that, so thank you for what you’ve done.”

Kullgren also thanked his family for standing by McCluskey “during the long shifts, hard days, and sacrifices that being a police officer demands.”

He went on to thank McCluskey for what he called 18 years of unwavering dedication.

“You’ve made our streets safer, our community stronger, and this department better,” Kullgren said. “As you step into your next chapter, I hope you leave with pride and your legacy here. You’ve earned your moment of relaxation. Enjoy it.”

Kullgren then handed McCluskey framed memorabilia from his career and played a short video of memories from his time in Newtown.

Everyone then made their way outside, where McCluskey stepped into a police cruiser for his final radio call.

Newtown Director of Emergency Communications Maureen Will delivered the radio call and said that McCluskey provided exemplary service to thousands of Newtown residents. Through support in motor vehicle accidents to saving an autistic child from drowning, Will said that McCluskey “left his mark in Newtown.”

“As residents, we are grateful for your service, and to your family for sharing you,” Will said.

Kullgren said seeing McCluskey retire from full-time service is “bittersweet,” but that he’s ecstatic for the next chapter in his life.

“It’s going to be an honor to have him on as a reserve officer,” Kullgren added.

Retiring from full-time service is just as bittersweet for McCluskey, who said that the support from his colleagues and family has been “overwhelming.” McCluskey said that he’s looking forward to hobbies such as hiking, geology, and building things, which he hasn’t had time for up until now.

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Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.