Police Chief Mike Cahill retires

Chief Mike Cahill Retires
APRIL 27, 2002 - A crowd of Junction City residents filled St. Helen hall to show their appreciation for retiring Police Chief Mike Cahill by throwing him a dinner party this evening that was filled with more than one surprise. Guests were treated to hand-crafted wines with special "Mike Cahill Appreciation Day" labels, a great meal, and guests of honor Deputy Barney Fife and Otis who "honored" the Chief throughout the evening.
The Chief was treated to both roasts and toasts by M.C. Officer Ken Hancock, and many of Mike's friends; as well as awards presented by several officials in law enforcement throughout the state that traveled to take part in the festivities. The evening ended with Mike receiving the Medal of Valor and Life Saving Awards. Below are a few highlights from the celebration.

Officer Barney Fife and his friend Otis (impersonators Mick Kieffer and Keith Kaehler
from Minnesota) kept the crowd in stitches.

Mike's family sat at the head table, surrounded, (of course) by a yellow police line barricade ribbon.

The hall at St. Helen Church was filled to capacity by admirers of Chief Cahill.

Officer Lt. Ken Hancock helped organize the evening and acted as Master of Ceremonies.

Mark Adams, President of the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, presents Mike with the first of many of the evening's awards.

Officers Mark Calbirck from Boardman and and Bill Cooley from Irrigon present Mike with one of his original Police shirts they uncovered.

Former Junction City resident Dale Scobert who was trained by Mike, presents him with yet another award.

Family friend Rachelle Severns (who used to live with the Cahills) tells a tale of one of Mike's practical jokes.


Carl and Kitty Goodin display wine they made, adorned with custom "Cahill" labels.	Mike and wife Candy cut the cake frosted with a photo of one of his plaques.	Steve Rowland was one of several lucky people to find a "Mayberry" shirt under his chair.

Long-time family friend Lois Munson shares a few
words of appreciation on behalf of Mike's daughter Christy.

Former Councilman Larry Crowley, who was Police Commissioner responsible for hiring him in 1987, is thanked by Mike.

Law Officers that have worked with Chief Cahill both in Junction City and around the state gather for the obligatory Group Photo.