Unique Going Away Present For Retiring Creve Coeur Police Officer

Friends, family, co-workers and even some community business owners came by the Creve Coeur Government Center Tuesday to pay tribute to Lieutenant Gary Lively, who retired after a 37 year career on the Creve Coeur Police force this week.

Chief Glenn Eidman recalled how Lively's move to the Creve Coeur Fire Protection District was why Eidman was hired on at the department. Lively returned a few months later. Eidman praised Lively for giving people, "even the bad guys" the benefit of the doubt and setting others up for success.

Lively was the first officer named to the St. Louis County Drug Task Force when it was formed, timely now as the city of Creve Coeur looks to hire another officer so it can place someone in that unit for the first time in at least 15 years.

As is city custom, officers are given their service revolver, and their badge upon retirement, along with a check in recognition of their service. Former Police Marshal Bill Kisling presented him with a vintage motorcycle helmet, but the most unique item may have been a 1980s era photo of Lively, Gary Hodak (a now-retired Captain) and another officer in a photo lineup with a suspect.

Lively, a cancer survivor, thanked Chief Eidman, and city leaders for their support, and had a surprise for his wife, Jodi, which you can watch in this video clip.