I just wanted to take the time to congratulate Chief Eric Olsen for your retirement with the [Kirkland Police Department]. I don’t expect you to remember me personally, but in the early 1990s when I was a teenager, I thought it was cool to sag my pants and run amuck.

I remember a few times you caught me smoking cigarettes when I was 13 and, instead of being intimidating to me, you sat me down and gave me a long talk about how I would turn out if I continued to go the direction I was heading in.

Your talks to me have stuck with me throughout the years and it was because of you that I decided to be a responsible adult. Your talks to me were awesome.

You have a heart and were not just another patrol officer that would cuff me and throw me in the system. You made a difference in my life, as I am sure you have done for others. Thank you very much for your service to this fine city I am proud to call home all my life. God bless you and I wish you well, my friend.

Kevin C. Lewis, Kirkland