After 38 years of service, Sergeant Pat Clark is set to retire from the Plano Police Department today, stepping down from a long and decorated tenure. Beginning his career with the Texas A&M University Police Department in January 1984, Clark quickly made the move to Plano in December 1985, where he worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant, a post he's held since 1996, as per the Plano Texas Police Department.
Throughout his service, Clark's assignments spanned from the Patrol Services Division to the Criminal Investigative Services Division, touching various crucial units such as Juvenile, Vehicle Crimes, and Burglary/Forgery. His knack for leadership and strategic thinking did not go unnoticed, earning him the 2017 Supervisor of the Year award while he was at the helm of the Vehicle Crimes Unit. Sergeant Clark's retirement is both a culmination of a storied career and the beginning of a new chapter.
Sergeant Clark's heroics are well-documented, with two Medals of Valor to his name for daring interventions during a bank robbery with hostages in 2011, and stopping a knife-wielding assailant in 2008. His lifesaving efforts in 2001, where a drowning victim was involved, further highlight a career committed to the welfare of others. His community spirit shone particularly with his involvement in the Christmas Cops Program, earning him a Civic Achievement Award the same year.
Retirement doesn't mean an end to Clark's commitment to public service. Plans are already in place for him to join Prince of Peace Catholic School as their School Marshal. Moreover, he aims to linger in the depths of his beloved hobby, scuba diving. The Plano Police Department has expressed gratitude for Clark's years of dedication, encapsulating a sentiment likely shared by many in the Plano community.
