WACO, Texas — The Waco Police Department is bidding a fond farewell to a longtime member of the force.
Waco PD announced on July 23 that Officer Gbolahan Fadeyi is retiring after 30 years of service.
Fadeyi was born in Lagos, Nigeria, according to the department, arriving in the United States after high school to pursue higher education.
Fadeyi served in the U.S. Army, being stationed at Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos) and being deployed to Southwest Asia during the Gulf War conflict between 1990 and 1991, said Waco PD.
Fadeyi was honorably discharged from the Army in 1993, said the department, having earned decorations including the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal and many more. Fadeyi reportedly joined the Waco Police Department that same year.
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Waco PD said Fadeyi earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Texas in Killeen and a Master of Criminal Justice Degree from Tarleton State University, the latter of which he earned while working the midnight shift at Waco PD.
During his time with the department, Waco PD said Fadeyi's goal was "making a very strong and positive impact" on the lives of those in the communities of Waco. He reportedly served as a Field Training Officer and certified Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Instructor, earning accolades like Master Peace Officer, Civic Achievement Award, Presidential Action Award and more.
Waco PD said Fadeyi plans to "take some time to rest, reconnect with scattered family members, travel, settle down and pursue a post-graduate Theoretical Study in Criminal Justice" in his retirement.
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