After 26 years of wearing the badge — 25 of them with the Fort Atkinson Police Department — Capt. Jeffery Davis retired Friday, according to information released by the Fort Atkinson Police Department.
According to the release, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Davis made the decision to retire when he turned 50, noting, “life is too short.”
In retirement, Davis plans to spend time camping, hunting and enjoying outdoor activities with his family.
Sharing thoughts about his decision, as quoted in the release, Davis said: “It became evident to me that time in this world was more important than the money. Nobody knows when their number is up, and when you are young you think you are invincible.”
Davis said he has had a great career and has no regrets.
In a message to his colleagues, the release reported, Davis said: “I was once told by somebody way smarter than me that law enforcement is the most honorable profession you can have if done right. The vast majority of society supports law enforcement and you must remember that is who you are fighting for. The folks we deal with daily that hate us have their reasons: either we are spoiling their fun or they choose not to live by society’s rules that hurt the people we are sworn to protect.”
According to the release, Davis told his fellow men and women in blue to have their priorities in life straight. He said his greatest joy has been becoming a father and watching his boys grow up. Davis’ boys, both Eagle Scouts, are 17 and 19.
Davis serves as a Boy Scouts of American leader and program youth mentor.
“Make sure you prioritize your safety so you can go home each day to those you love; there is no greater responsibility,” Davis continued.
During his career, the release noted, Davis served as a patrol officer, school resource officer, lieutenant and captain. As a supervisor, he led the Detective Bureau, and later, the Patrol Division.
Davis was the “major driving force,” according to the release, that led to the incorporation of the modern RMS/CAD system, and he assisted in the agency’s first mobile data computers in squad cars, squad cameras and the modern squad and body camera platform.
“It will be hard to replace Jeff. He wore the hat of a police officer, leader, mentor, IT professional and maintenance man all at the same time and often all on the same day,” Fort Atkinson Chief of Police Adrian Bump said in the release.
Capt. Jeffery Davis. Contributed photo.
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