Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Police Commissioner Byron Lockwood has largely avoided the media spotlight during his impressive 38 year career in law enforcement and with the Buffalo Police Department.
But there was no avoiding being the center of attention on a cold, sun-drenched Thursday afternoon during a moving retirement ceremony for Lockwood.
Lockwood exited police headquarters on Court Street in Niagara Square and was flanked by fellow officers, Buffalo Fire Department officials and community leaders as a giant American flag was hanging between two Buffalo Fire ladder trucks.
Lockwood was presented with a framed American flag and marched up Court Street before saying a few words and moving into retirement.
"Boy time flies though when you're having fun," said Lockwood. "I never called in a day sick."
Lockwood says he will continue to be in the community in retirement and says bringing diversity to the department is what he considers his most important legacy.
Mayor Byron Brown was on hand for the ceremony and will soon name a new commissioner. "Today is Commissioner Byron C. Lockwood's day," said the mayor.