A veteran law enforcement officer in Arizona recorded a farewell video to his fellow officers that has since gained nationwide exposure due to his emotional final radio call.
“Badge 2988 began his career March 11, 1981,” said Department of Public Safety Trooper Mark Gilberg after wiping away tears. “This will be my final 10-7.”
A dispatcher responded that his call was making her cry, too.
Gilberg went on to express gratitude to his colleagues for their assistance along the way.
“I just wanted to thank everybody for everything that they’ve ever done,” he said. “It’s been an honor and a privilege — and a great career. It’s been a great adventure.”
Gilberg, identified by Arizona DPS spokesman Bart Graves as the state’s longest-serving trooper, told those remaining to “keep smiling” in his absence.
The agency shared video of the call, which has been widely shared online, and offered a warning: “You might want tissues.”
Trooper Mark Gilberg of our Kingman District gives his last call as he completes 37yrs and 3 weeks of service to the department and citizens of AZ. Thank you Mark for your dedicated service. (You might want tissues) https://t.co/gbSBeHLRCr
— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) March 30, 2018
“Trooper Mark Gilberg of our Kingman District gives his last call as he completes 37yrs and 3 weeks of service to the department and citizens of AZ,” the department’s tweet read. “Thank you Mark for your dedicated service.”
In the video, the dispatcher echos that sentiment.
“We appreciate everything you have done,” she said in response to his message.
Graves celebrated the overwhelmed officer’s career, calling Gilberg a “workhorse” with “incredible work ethic.”
The dispatcher wished Gilberg good luck in his future endeavors. Upon signing off for the last time, the veteran trooper again breaks down into tears at the prospect of leaving his career behind.
[Featured image: Mark Gilberg/Arizona Department of Public Safety, video screenshot]
