Tuesday night, the Town of Kilmichael held a reception for Chief of Police David Eldridge on his upcoming retirement. Eldridge has served as chief of police for 33 years. Alderman and Vice-Mayor Charles Austin said he wanted to hold the reception to show his brother-in-law, Eldridge, that he was appreciated.
Eldridge’s son, Dave, said his father has not only served as chief of police but he’s also one of the longest service volunteer firefighters. Dave Eldridge said the only two serving town officials serving close to the years as Eldridge was Jimmy Herman, Austin and Mayor Bobby Howell.
David Eldridge thanked those that were in attendance. “It’s not a job, it’s a pleasure and I’ve enjoyed serving,” he said.
Howell said David Eldridge has served in the capacity since 1987 and thanked him for his service. Board Attorney Lane Greenlee pointed out that not only did Eldridge serve as Chief of Police, he served as Justice of the Peace when Montgomery County had five judges for each beat.
“I served two terms,” Eldridge said. “When I went in as Justice Court Judge, there were five judges and five constables, it wasn’t like that when I came out.”
The county moved from a Beat system to Districts and have two judges, Judge Larry Bamberg and Judge Keith Roberts.
