HARLINGEN — Police Officer Ernesto Gonzalez was honored in a retirement ceremony yesterday for more than 28 years of service to the citizens of Harlingen.
Family, friends and co-workers were in attendance outside the police station as he drove up in his patrol car for the final time.
The ceremony began with the traditional THOR presentation, which stands for Tunnel Honoring Our Retiree.
In the ceremony, fellow officers form a tunnel of swords for the retiring officer to walk through.
Later, a plaque presentation and retirement badge ceremony were held in the Community Room at the police department.
Gonzalez was presented with two plaques — a Recognition of Service plaque and a plaque from the Harlingen Peace Officers & Law Enforcement Association.
A barbecue brisket dinner was held in his honor at the Jackson Square Events Center from 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
