Chief Thompson honored at retirement reception

Members of the Hillsboro community braved ice and snow to wish former Hillsboro Police Chief Nick Thompson a happy retirement Friday afternoon at the Hillsboro First United Methodist Church.

The retirement reception for Thompson, held in the church's Robison Hall, allowed the community to thank the longtime police chief for his service.

Thompson's last official day with the Hillsboro Police Department was Nov. 30, as he announced his retirement after 26 years as chief of police.

Present and former city and county officials, along with Thompson's family and friends, business owners and other members of the community, enjoyed refreshments and browsed a table with photos, awards and other memorabilia from Thompson's personal and professional life.

Among the photos on display was a framed picture of Thompson's father in his police uniform.

"He was a special police officer here in the late '50s," Thompson said. "That kind of was my drive to want to be a police officer."

Thompson said that he was thankful for the community's support, saying, "There's just something about Hillsboro that's special."

"I started out in Hillsboro, I've ended in Hillsboro, and I'm very appreciative for the support that I've received over the years from businesspeople and the community," Thompson said. "I've learned a lot.

"I learned a long time it wasn't my place to judge people. All I did was I did my job, and I'm very thankful for the opportunity to have served the community. It's meant a lot."

Thompson said that his retirement plans include riding his motorcycle, farming, teaching and relaxing, but most importantly, Thompson said he wants to spend time with his family.

"I've been dedicated to the job," Thompson said. "I've ate, slept and lived being a cop, and I enjoyed it, and now it's time for my family. There's been a lot of missed holidays, birthdays, anniversaries. I have no regrets, and they were very understanding, but now it's time to spend time with my family."