Officer Retires After 23 Years
By: Ciara Brown
Updated: November 29, 2012
WINCHESTER, VA - The Winchester Police Department will be saying goodbye to "Homer", an officer that has been with the department for 23 years.
William H. Andrews Sr., 60, better known as "Homer", started his career in 1987 as a Town of Edinburg Police Officer. The force consisted of the chief and Homer. In 1989 he became a police officer in Winchester. Then in 2006 Homer became a master police officer, but never climbed the ranks beyond that. Homer says he enjoyed working the streets having the opportunity to meet new people everyday.
"Being an officer is something that you can do that's worthwhile to help others," says Homer. "It's a great career to get into. You could get the same call 100 times and it's never the same."
Homer came from a family of law enforcement officers. His brother is a Sergeant with the Virginia State Police. It's become a passion he's passed onto his son, who became an officer with the Winchester Police Department in 2010.
"I didn't encourage him to and I didn't discourage him," says Homer. "I wanted it to be a decision that he made."
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The 30 minute commute everyday to work will end for Homer on Friday as he retires.
"I'm nervous and excited at the same time," says Homer. "It's like leaving home, you get to know this community inside and out, and they're like family."
As for his future after the force, Homer says he will spend his newly free time riding his motorcycle, playing golf and traveling.
"In April, if things go right, it'll be my brother-in-laws 50th birthday and we plan to go on a nine day cruise," says Homer.
Homer says he also plans to possibly be part-time with security and conducting reports in the Winchester Circuit Court.
William H. Andrews Sr., 60, better known as "Homer", started his career in 1987 as a Town of Edinburg Police Officer. The force consisted of the chief and Homer. In 1989 he became a police officer in Winchester. Then in 2006 Homer became a master police officer, but never climbed the ranks beyond that. Homer says he enjoyed working the streets having the opportunity to meet new people everyday.
"Being an officer is something that you can do that's worthwhile to help others," says Homer. "It's a great career to get into. You could get the same call 100 times and it's never the same."
Homer came from a family of law enforcement officers. His brother is a Sergeant with the Virginia State Police. It's become a passion he's passed onto his son, who became an officer with the Winchester Police Department in 2010.
"I didn't encourage him to and I didn't discourage him," says Homer. "I wanted it to be a decision that he made."
" "
The 30 minute commute everyday to work will end for Homer on Friday as he retires.
"I'm nervous and excited at the same time," says Homer. "It's like leaving home, you get to know this community inside and out, and they're like family."
As for his future after the force, Homer says he will spend his newly free time riding his motorcycle, playing golf and traveling.
"In April, if things go right, it'll be my brother-in-laws 50th birthday and we plan to go on a nine day cruise," says Homer.
Homer says he also plans to possibly be part-time with security and conducting reports in the Winchester Circuit Court.
