A retirement celebration is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, for retiring Bonham Police Chief Mike Bankston, who recently announced his retirement after serving Bonham and its surrounding communities for almost five decades – nearly 40 years as chief.
“Feel free to stop by to shake the hand of a Legend and wish him a Happy Retirement,” Bonham PD shared on social media.
After serving his community as Police Chief for nearly 40 years, Bankston is shifting into retirement at the end of this month.
“I would not have made it this far without the grace of God and the support of my family.”
According to Bonham Police Department, Bankston has been chief longer than half of his employees have been alive, “but he’s got more energy and optimism than all of them combined.”
The retirement celebration will be at Roy V Floy Community Center, 1100 W. 5th Street in Bonham starting at 4 p.m. on March 23.
Bankston began his career with the Bonham Police Department as a patrolman on April 15, 1973.
From Jan. 10-March 21, 1978, Bankston attended the FBI Academy and served as Sheriff of Fannin County from April 15-Nov. 21, 1978. After the short period, he returned to the Bonham PD and was promoted to chief on May 1, 1984.
“A humble man, Chief is the first to deflect any praise typically redirecting it to others around him. While uncomfortable talking about himself and his accomplishments, he enjoys sharing stories of ‘the good old days’ or a memory of something funny that happened to him. He’s known for his vast knowledge of random but interesting facts.”
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