OXFORD — Oxford City Council and Police Chief John Jones honored retiring OPD Sergeant Peter Reising during a Tuesday, April 19 meeting.

Jones called Reising “one of the finest police officers I’ve gotten to work with over the years.”

According to officials, Reising, who retired at the end of March, started with the OPD in August 1986. He had been a patrol officer, worked with the K-9 unit, served as a detective, worked as part of the special response team, and more.

He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2008.

“It’s an honor to have worked with him,” Jones added.

Brian Robinson, from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 38 in Hamilton also spoke in recognition of Reising, noting Reising had been a great advocate for the OPD in working with the FOP.

“We wish him a happy retirement,” Robinson said on behalf of the lodge.

Jones said the impact Reising has made on the community and number of lives he has touched is evident.

“Everybody wants to talk to Pete,” Jones told council. “It didn’t matter what part of the community they were from.”

Reising was injured in an accident last year. Jones said he arrested someone and while at the jail, that person even asked “how Pete was doing.”

Jones presented Reising with his badges a plaque, and “his rocking chair.”

Reising, barely able to hold back tears, also spoke during the meeting.

“I never planned to be an officer,” he said. Growing up in Cincinnati, he said initially the only thing he had in common with Oxford was camping trips to Hueston Woods when he was young.

“It’s been my pleasure to serve the City of Oxford,” he said. “I want to thank you for all the good times.”

Reising will continue his work as coordinator of the OVI Task Force, so he will “still have a hand in law enforcement.”

Jones also introduced Officer Benjamin Hool, who was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Hool has been a member of the OPD since 1997. He was sworn in following his introduction.