Retiring cop was ready for his final call after 25 years — but the voice on the radio left him weeping
For retiring cop Brian Berrigan, the send-off call became an unforgettable moment.
Parents often serve as lifelong role models for their children. From values to career choices, kids often seek inspiration from their parents to follow in their footsteps. While many children choose the same profession as their parents, stepping into their role at the moment of retirement can be a bittersweet experience. For retiring police officer Brian Berrigan, that moment became unforgettable and heartwarming. On December 30, 2019, Brian received the customary send-off call given to officers upon retirement, which is broadcast to first responders. But this call, unlike any other, had his son, Dean Berrigan, on the line, who had followed his father into the force. Upon hearing his son’s voice delivering the farewell message, Brian was moved to tears, which made his last day on duty truly unforgettable.
Dean Derrigan, who had joined his father's department in 2017 as a Phillisburg cop, decided to become a Warren County dispatcher, for his dad will always be a cherished memory for Brian. When Dean calls, Brian immediately recognises his voice and moves to tears as he goes, "Go ahead, son." Dean then goes, "It is with enormous pride that today, on December 30th, 2019, at 16.38 hours, I, your son, badge number 328, will deliver your final call."
In the retirement send-off, Dean Berrigan reminded his father of his first moments after graduating from the police academy, saying, “Twenty-five years ago, you held me in your arms as you graduated from the police academy. Today, we stand side by side as brothers.” Dean called his father 'the best role model a son could have' and said that serving together had been an honor. "It was an honor to serve by your side for the last six months, wearing the same uniform. As a fellow officer, I salute you. As your son, I’m going to miss you here. We are all going to miss you." The heartfelt words left retiring officer Brian Berrigan teary-eyed, who was sitting in the front seat of his van. With a shaky smile, he admitted after the call, “Phew, that was brutal.”
In a study co-authored by Mirjam Knockaert, Hans Landström, and Sophie Manigart in 2021, the authors explored the importance of parental passion for their work and how it amplifies how children develop career attitudes. That is, parents who are visibly excited about their work and discuss their work life openly tend to inspire more similar ambitions. Dean, in the call, is heard saying that he spent much of his youth being introduced by his father to other officers who worked alongside Brian at the department, which inspired him to follow in his father's footsteps. “I saw them as family," Dean said on the dispatch call.
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