People who end up working their entire lives in the same job end up putting their blood, sweat and tears into whatever they spend multiple decades doing. This is all the more true for first-responders: police officers, firefighters, military personnel, and paramedics. They literally give their blood, sweat and tears.

One such police officer recently called it a career after 28 years on the force. Salem City Police Sgt. Douglas Hogate Sr. spent nearly three decades protecting and serving the citizens of Salem City, New Jersey.  

When he finished his last shift and called in his final Code 3 and waited for the response from dispatch, the voice he heard come over his radio's speakers left the career officer a little teary eyed.

The 911 dispatch operator was none other than his son, Salem County PST Douglas Hogate Jr. and he made a special announcement to honor his hard working father.

"It is with great pleasure to announce that as of 1800 hours on this date, after 28 years of service, my father, Salem City Police Sgt. Douglas Hogate Sr., Badge #612, is retiring and is giving his final Code 3," Hogate Jr. said. "It is my honor as Salem County PST Douglas Hogate Jr. to acknowledge his Code 3 to the greatest man I know. Salem City Police Sgt. Douglas Hogate Sr., Badge #612, you are officially Code 3 at 1800 hours."

After 28 years on the Salem City Police Force there could not be more of a storybook ending than having his own son announce his retirement across the 9-1-1 radio. Thank you for your selfless service Sgt. Douglas Hogate Sr, we hope you enjoy your retirement, you earned it.

Check out the video of the call, and try not to get misty eyed yourself.

Share this in order to wish Sgt. Douglas Hogate Sr. a happy and well-deserved retirement.