PHOTO courtesy of the city of Milton
MAYOR KATRINA ASAY PRESENTED RETIRED MILTON POLICE DEPARTMENT SERGEANT MICHAEL WADA WITH A PLAQUE ON JAN. 4 for his 30 years of service to the city.
Milton police Sergeant Michael D. Wada has seen a lot throughout his career and now he will have the chance to see a lot more of his family. Wada officially announced his retirement effective Dec. 31, after 30 years on the force.
Mayor Katrina Asay honored him with a plaque at the Jan. 4 city council meeting for his dedication to the city.
“It was a pleasure to acknowledge and congratulate Sgt. Wada on his retirement after over 30 years of service here in the city of Milton” Asay said in a written statement. “We hate to see him go, but wish him well in his future adventures.”
Sergeant Wada began his career with the Milton Police Department in May 1979 and was appointed to a detective assignment in 1997, where he handled many felony cases to successful conclusion.
Colleagues say Wada’s passion was in the field of drug investigations, where he excelled in the areas of operations and interviews. He was also a certified field training officer, firearms instructor and certified bicycle officer. Wada was promoted to the rank of sergeant in April 2000.
Milton Police Chief Bill Rhoads said Wada’s career at Milton is a statement to his dedication to duty and service to the community.
“Few officers stay on the job for that many years, as it does take its toll on family and the officer,” Rhoads said.
The countless hours working rotating shifts, holidays, missing out on events for the family and friends are oftentimes hard for law enforcement officers and their families, Rhoads added.
Many of Wada’s co-workers respected the sergeant’s ability to be able to converse with anyone from victims of crime to the suspects he interviewed for major crimes or young adults and children.
“This is a trait that some officers need to work hard on but it came naturally for Sergeant Wada,” Rhoads commented. “He will also be missed by many of the longtime residents of the city due to his length of service in the community.”
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