GREENFIELD — After more than 20 years serving the community Cpl. Steve McCarley of the Greenfield Police Department officially signed off duty for the last time on Friday, April 16. Noting it was time for a change, the longtime officer said he’s sad to go but is excited for a new professional opportunity.
McCarley, 47, stepped down to take a civilian job with the federal government. It’s a position he’s been thinking about for some time, and when the opportunity arose to make a change, he didn’t think twice.
“When this new opportunity came up for me to apply for this new job, I didn’t hesitate,” McCarley said. “I’ll still be in law enforcement but as a civil employee for the federal government.”
Most people know McCarley as the friendly officer who helped establish the department’s bike patrols. He also has been GPD’s D.A.R.E officer for years.
McCarley always took part in the Cops Cycling for Survivors events, which raise awareness of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. He’ll continue to ride his bike frequently, just not for the police department.
McCarley has also been an active leader in supporting area youth and said he hopes to continue to work with the county’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. He’s been the department’s D.A.R.E. officer since 2007 and has seen thousands of area students graduate from the awareness and educational program. Officials from GPD are currently trying to find an officer to replace him.
Capt. Chuck McMichael, GPD’s public information officer, said McCarley has done many great things in the community. Those who know him expect he will continue to do so in retirement.
“McCarley has been one of our best community-oriented officers throughout his career and enjoys interacting with the public,” McMichael said. “We will surely miss him.”
McCarley joined GPD when he was 27 years old. He began his law enforcement career as a jail officer in Terre Haute. While with GPD, in addition to patrolling the streets, he has also served as an evidence technician, helping to solve crimes resulting in numerous arrests and prosecutions.
Despite the excitement of starting something new, McCarley said there are always tough moments when a person says goodbye to something to which they’ve dedicated their life for more than two decades.
“I’ll miss being with the guys, and I admit I’m one of those people who don’t do real well with change, so I’ll miss my schedule and being able to get out there and talk to people and connecting with that one person you can help or do something for,” McCarley said.
Still, after 20 years in law enforcement, McCarley said he realized it was time to make a change in his life for himself and his family.
“It’s just time to move on, because after 20 years, law enforcement is not what it once was, and where I’m going will give me a chance to do something new,” McCarley said.
