There were a lot of happy blue smiles at Scooter’s Dairy Bar last week after Officer Ralph Edmonds bought ice cream for dozens of Port Clinton children.

BY SHERI TRUSTY

After 40 years of total service, 24 years working with juveniles and eight years as a School Resource Officer, Port Clinton Police Officer Ralph Edmonds is ready to turn in his badge. But first, he wanted to give one more gift to the kids of Port Clinton.

Last week, Edmonds invited the children of Port Clinton to visit with him at Scooter’s Dairy Bar on Fremont Road in Port Clinton, where he bought each one an ice cream cone. It was his last kids’ event before his retirement next month.

William Gorney, 11, poses with Officer Ralph Edmonds as his mother takes his photo. Gorney wants to be a police officer, just like Edmonds, when he grows up.

“This was one more way to tell the kids I care about them before I go,” Edmonds said.

His years of service inspired many children, including 11-year-old William Gorney, who wants to be a police officer just like Edmonds when he grows up.

“Officer Ralph took doughnuts to the school, and Williams was dressed up as a police officer because he wants to be a police officer,” said his mother, Kristy Belcher.

Gorney was happy he had the chance to visit with Edmonds again.

“He’s a nice guy,” Gorney said.

Officer Ralph Edmonds talks with three-year-old Jonny Howell after giving him a ticket for a free ice cream cone. Edmonds bought ice cream for dozens of children as a way to show them he cares before he retires in September.

Reflecting on his years of service, Edmonds couldn’t pinpoint one moment that highlighted his career.

“What’s the best thing? Everything!” he said. “I’ve watched a whole lot of great kids grow up. They’re worth every dime. It’s been 40 years of having a good time.”

Although his retirement is a month away, Edmonds isn’t ready to think about what life will look like when he leaves. He’s simply focusing on enjoying every day he has left with the kids.

“I love this job,” he said. “I have no plans for after retirement.”