Long serving Princeton Police officer retires

After a 26-year career, Princeton Police officer Rob “Officer Friendly’ Jensen is hanging up his badge.

Jensen, who served as Princeton’s D.A.R.E. officer and Safety Town instructor for over two decades, was honored Tuesday morning with an open house, giving Princeton residents the opportunity to share congratulations and appreciation on his final day.

Police Chief Tom Kammerer commended Jensen for his years of service, saying he was an integral part of welcoming him to the department when he took over as Chief.

“He was one of the first officers I met when I came here,” Kammerer said. “We hit it off right away because he’s (also) a Cardinals fan.”

Kammerer said Jensen, who is known by everyone in the community, took him all through the schools to make introductions.

“Literally everyone in town knows him,” Kammerer said. “You can’t go anywhere without seeing kids and adults who know him from the schools. He’s had a huge impact on kids in this community and for him to be able to do 26 years in this role and leave on a positive note and on his terms is a huge accomplishment.”

“PES will always remember his kindness, support and friendliness to all the students, staff and parents,” PES Superintendent JD Orwig said.

“He has outstanding people skills, and beyond that he’s so approachable and good at his craft. But more importantly, he’s just outstanding as a person.”

“He’s been a great officer for the department,” Mayor Joel Quiram said. “He’ll be greatly missed by the schools and we wish him well on his retirement.”

Jensen said although he took some time at the end of September to take a trip to New England with his wife, he doesn’t have any intention of spending his retirement idle. He’s already working full time doing construction, something he did before his law enforcement career and something he’s enjoyed getting involved with again.

He’s also coaching boys track at PHS, something he said allows him to still interact with students on a different level.

“I’m going to miss the guys and ladies in this department, and others that I’ve worked with,” Jensen said.

“I’ll miss the relationships.”

Princeton Police officer Rob Jensen reminisces with Cindy Behrends, during an open house celebrating his retirement after two decades of service. Jensen, who was a universally beloved part of the school system as a D.A.R.E. officer oversaw generations of students, including the mother of Huntley Young, pictured at right. (Kim Shute/Princeton )

Source: The Daily Chronicle