Taylorville Sergent retires after 21 years of service

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - After being a member with the Taylorville Police Department for 21 years, Sergeant Alan Mills is hanging up his uniform and taking the next step in his career. 

"I'm starting as an Investigator with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and it's going to be something new. I have some experience of course with investigations, but it's going to be a new job, and I'm really excited about it," said Sergeant Alan Mills. 

While coming to the decision wasn't easy, Mills says that everything just fell into place.

"You get accustomed to the job you're at, especially being here as long as I have and trying new things for people, some people would try new things in a heartbeat. Me, I'm a little more cautious. So it took a little soul searching. But when the opportunity came the way it did, the decision kind of made itself," said Mills.

After being with the department for 21 years, you learn a thing or two.  

"There's a lot of stories and stuff to go on, but actually, one of my favorite things I enjoyed, working with Crime Stoppers. I was the coordinator for the local Crime Stoppers organization... I served two years as a school resource officer, so it was really great to get to work alongside the teachers and people in the education community and to get to be around the students and get to talk to, and get to know them," said Mills. 

Mills says that regardless of the new changes, he's honored that he's been able to support his hometown, and wishes everyone the very best. 

"I'm just going to miss seeing people on a day to day (basis) like I do now. And I think, like I've said, it's been a blessing. Not too many people get to do what they want to do when they grow up, so I've been really lucky with that. And I appreciate the city for giving me this opportunity and the community for accepting (me)," said Mills. 

Alan Mills will start his new position with Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation on Thursday, January 16th. 

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