Close signs off from police after more than a decade
213 County, I’m 10-42.
Those words signified Officer Barb Close signing off on her shift with the Cornell Police Department Dec. 29 – for the final time. Close officially retired as a part-time officer with the department, after serving in Cornell for 12 years.
“It went fast,” said Close. “I never thought I would stay that long, but they (years) just flew by. I’m glad that I got to be an officer in Cornell, I’m really happy for that.”
After Close signed off, she said the Chippewa County dispatcher on duty thanked her for her years of service to Cornell and the county (Close spent 25 years as a reserve officer for the county).
“She said she was sad to hear 213 (Close’s call number) wasn’t going to be on the air with my voice anymore,” said Close.
Close has been with the Cornell community for many years, as she spent 34 years as an EMT, 24 of those with Cornell. While Close says she enjoyed interacting with the community through the police department, it was time to step down.
“I was ready,” she said. “I just want a change in my life.”
She also wants her weekends to herself to do something she loves wholeheartedly, which is getting out in the woods and hunting. Close’s sons have land she hunts on with her grandchildren, including large acreage in Weyerhaeuser.
“I go up there, and we deer hunt and bear hunt,” said Close. “I want to shed hunt.”
Over the years with the Cornell Police Department, Close saw three different police chiefs, and many part-time offi cers come and go. Close said some of her favorite times were when she handed out treats at Halloween and when the school requested demonstrations.
Close also loved when she was on patrol, as she’d stop and talk with kids playing at the parks.
“To me, that was the best part of my job, was anything to do with the kids,” she said.
She might not base it out of the police department anymore, but Close plans to continue the R.O.K.S (Rocks, Offi cers and Kids) program this spring for kids and adults. Painted rocks are hidden on public property within the city, waiting for residents to find the rocks, turn them in and re- ceive a prize.
Last year, more than 150 rocks were turned in, as a way to get people enjoying the outdoors and interacting as a family.
“This year, I’m going to have a brat sale…so we can have some extra money so we can buy bigger gifts,” said Close, adding more information will come later on. “Take your kids out for a walk.”
Not all aspects of law enforcement are fun, but there was one part Close was decidedly not a fan of.
“I hated animal-at-large calls,” said Close. “I’m not a dog lover.”
Although she turned in her law enforcement badge, Close still works full-time as an ER technician at Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire. But, she is going to transition onto the hospital’s security team, something she looks forward to.
She also keeps the books for her son’s custom cabinets and flooring company.
“I’m proud of all my kids,” said Close. “I had to do something right. I have a good family.”
In addition to her two sons and daughter, Close also has a step-son from her husband, Gary’s, first marriage. She also has many grandchildren and step-grandkids.
One granddaughter even got to ride along on Close’s last day, with permission from the chief. It was made memorable, after Close and her granddaughter stopped long enough to take an elderly lady to church who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to attend.
“I turned to her (granddaughter) and I said…this is what being in law enforcement is all about,” said Close.
Close plans to stay active in the community and encourages others to volunteer, to come up with ideas to make the community better.
“There are just little things this community can do,” she said.
Turning in her uniform may have been emotional for Close, but the good memories outweigh the bad.
“Was it bittersweet, yeah, but more sweet than bitter,” said Close. “I have a new journey now and this one ended; a new chapter starts.”