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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Isaac Cruz, a staple of law enforcement for the last 25 years, has retired from the Pelham Police Department.

Cruz was honored by family, friends and his peers in law enforcement at a ceremony held on Friday, Jan. 17. The ceremony consisted of Cruz’s ceremonial last call, the presentation of his retirement badge and a special surprise performance from a mariachi band.

Cruz’s career began in 2000 as a jailer for the city of Boaz, and served the Boaz Police Department until 2009. Cruz joined Pelham PD that same year, and served as a crisis negotiator, translator and Bike Patrol member during his tenure.

Cruz took the time to reflect on certain moments that impacted him the most during his storied law enforcement career.

“The moments that really stand out are learning how to bridge or connect the law enforcement culture and the community; especially the Latino community,” Cruz said. “I really enjoyed working investigations and supporting other agencies in different tasks. Working child abuse cases and crimes against persons really impacted my life because some of the victims, such as children, can’t speak for themselves.”

Cruz’s roles throughout the years shifted frequently, giving him a well-rounded toolkit to better serve the communities he worked in.

“I had to wear many hats, and I actually started as a translator to help (stop) a multiagency burglary ring,” Cruz said. “I was hired as a translator without really knowing that Boaz didn’t have a position for a translator, so I was sworn in as a jailer/dispatcher. The city of Boaz gave me the opportunity to push my limits and learn a new trait. (In) my 9 1/2 years working for Boaz, I evolved from a timid 19-year-old Latino to a sergeant working narcotics on a task force alongside federal agencies. I still hear from people in Marshall County I helped without knowing I impacted their life on a positive level.”

As a man who entrenched himself in Pelham, Cruz will miss many of the daily routines associated with his work.

“I will miss my co-workers, the family in blue that many don’t have with their co-workers,” Cruz said. “I will miss contacting my victims and trying to help solve their case. I will also miss the rush many detectives get when we get a confession on any given case; it doesn’t matter if it’s a small misdemeanor or a felony case. I will miss the nice residents of Pelham waving and some stopping me to pray for me as I patrolled their neighborhood.”

Not only does Cruz have a storied law enforcement career, but he also has a deep connection to mariachi music.

“Mariachi music is iconic in Mexican culture,” Cruz said. “I grew up listening to mariachi music, I was part of a mariachi band in Texas when I was in high school. Also, music is very special to me, and (as a guitar player,) I connect with those who play instruments. When I heard Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ in Spanish performed by a mariachi band, I knew that that was the way I was going to retire, ‘My Way.’”

Cruz closed by giving advice to the next generation of law enforcement officers.

“I would say respect the community they are serving, law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard and it’s imperative that officers understand that,” Cruz said. “Also, listen. Listen to family, friends, co-workers, victims and suspects. It’s important to be quiet and listen to others that may have wise words for officers. Last but not least, enjoy every stage of their career.”

Detective Sgt. Brad Jordan and Chief Brent Sugg, both of Pelham PD, gave their thoughts on Cruz and his impact on the department.

“From his first day until his last, Cruz was an instrumental, valued member of this department,” Jordan said. “More important than his position as an officer, Det. Cruz served as a conduit between the Hispanic community and city government. I would often hear him fielding questions on matters that had nothing to do with police work, and he was never too busy to assist someone in their time of need.”

While Sugg’s time with Cruz was short, he still felt his impact on a daily basis.

“I only had the opportunity to work with Cruz for about 18 months,” Sugg said. “The most memorable experiences were daily with Cruz. His ability to focus on the good things about the day. Even if it was a challenging case or situation, he would find something to smile and laugh about.”