CANARYVILLE — After 16 years as the Deering District's CAPS officer, Tony Mejia is retiring from the Chicago Police Department.
The 20-year police veteran's first day of freedom begins May 1.
"Welcome to my last meeting in Canaryville," Mejia said Wednesday night. "It's been a blast. Had a good time. Did a lot of good work. Let me give you your numbers ..."
Then, like he's done countless times before in Bridgeport, Canaryville and Chinatown, Mejia shared the monthly crime stats for Beat 925.
A short while later, he asked, "Any other questions? Comments? Compliments? We take it all."
A woman asked a question many neighborhood folks have been wondering since Mejia announced he'd soon be retired:
"Who's taking your place?"
"I'm glad you mentioned that. Everyone's asking that," Mejia said. "It's my understanding that so far there's no replacement. ... It's my understanding there is an ongoing nationwide search."
Laughter rippled through the room.
"Three names will be submitted to the mayor," Mejia said. "He will immediately reject all three for lack of humor."
After the laughs, Mejia gave his official farewell:
"It was an honor to serve and protect you," Mejia said. "Keep fighting the good fight. Stay together as a community, and thank you very much."
The room erupted in applause.
"We know you're retiring, and we're going to miss you," said Ernest Delaney, 73. "But it would be nice if every once and a while you popped your head in and said 'hello'."
"It would be nice," Mejia said. "Be careful what you wish for."
Cook County Commissioner John Daley attended the meeting to celebrate Mejia's time on the force.
"He represents the best in the Police Department," Daley said.
A heartfelt letter written by CAPS volunteers described Mejia as an "expert and a partner" in the Deering District who will be missed:
"He did all this stuff on his own time," said the letter, read by a CAPS volunteer. "He's just an all around great guy and great person. He hasn't lost sight of what helping out a neighbor really means. We're going to miss his humor, his friendliness and his competence.
"We wish him many years of happy and healthy retirement."
After the meeting, Mejia shook hands with neighborhood folks and enjoyed a slice of cake.
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