HCSO Commemorates 332 Years of Service

RUSKIN - It would be virtually impossible to count the number of emergency responses, arrests and citations. It would be impossible to know the number of times these public servants served the public through their assistance, their protection and their dedication.

On May 30, nine retiring members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were recognized for their lifetime of service.

With their retirement, the HCSO loses the benefit of their combined 332 years of service.

“I really hate to lose all of the experience and the quality of these people,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Cal Henderson.

A large crowd of fellow officers and members of the community came together to provide congratulations and well wishes to the retiring officers during the ceremony at the HCSO District IV office in Ruskin.

Major Larry Terry is retiring after 41 years in law enforcement. As he spoke to the gathered crowd he singled out his brother for special mention. It turns out Terry is a relative short-timer. His brother had put in 50 years in law enforcement.

Terry said that while he will miss the HCSO, he plans to do some hunting and fishing. He also plans to head north “to see what’s up there.”

Sgt. Ken Schintzius is retiring after 34 years. In his case, however, retirement is relative. Schintzius has already signed up for the HCSO reserve program. “I love this department and the people in this department,” he said. “It’s been a great career for me.”

In addition to the reserves, Schintzius’ experience will be put to use through a new generation. His son Travis is also a member of the HCSO.

When not working part-time with the reserves, he plans to spend more time with his wife and three grandchildren.

Besides Schintzius and Terry, the other officers retiring are Dep. Stan Amsler, with 28 years, Sgt. Mark Bocknor, 33 years, Dep. J.D. Forbes, 42 years, Cpl. George Hannon, 35 years, Cpl. Gerald Onheiser, 36 years, Sgt. Ronnie Stroud, 38 years and Sgt. Smith Williamson with 34 years.

All of the food, soft drinks and other items involved in the event were donated by area businesses.

Along with the thanks and congratulations offered by Henderson and the other guests, for many of the nine retirees, the moment seemed bittersweet. Mixed with the excitement of beginning a new phase in life is the sadness at seeing one come to an end. Giving up a lifetime of dedication is not necessarily a simple task.

“If you let me, I’ll stay and work,” said soon-to-be reservist Schintzius when Henderson paused to congratulate him.

That is probably a thought all of them have shared at some point.

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