ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ) – It’s a day Officer Don Penza will never forget.
Thursday morning Penza was escorted on his last ride with Ashwaubenon Public Safety…a department he’s been a part of for 36 years.
The convoy of fire trucks, ambulances, and patrol vehicles cruised to Penza’s home, then traveled to Ashwaubenon Middle and High School where he’s served as a DARE-Liaison Officer for 20 years.
Penza says he feels overwhelmed.
“I caught little wind of it last night but I didn’t expect this experience.”
Hundreds of students and staff waved and cheered along the street as the fire truck Penza was riding in passed by.
As it pulled up to the front of the high school, the marching band was in full force.
He took time to shake hands and hug people he had impacted over the years.
Ashwaubenon High School Principal Brian Nelsen says Penza will be hard to replace.
“The relationships that he’s been able to develop with kids, staff, and the community has really been remarkable and so we’re going to miss him,” said Nelsen.
Ashwaubenon Public Safety Chief Eric Dunning, says Penza has a deep passion for his job and will be greatly missed.
“He deeply cares about his job and most people would have probably retired 5 years ago but I think the love for his job and what he does every day, that’s why he’s hung around as long as he has,” Dunning said.
As for the future, Penza says he hopes to relax a bit and continue coach pole vaulting in the area.
The “last ride” has been a tradition with Ashwaubenon Public Safety for 17 years.
