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East side fixture Mike Walker retires from YPD
By Joe Gorman
YOUNGSTOWN
For a man who likes to travel, Mike Walker did not roam very far during his career as a city police officer.
Walker, who has traveled all over the world, was born on the East Side and patrolled that part of town for his entire 28-year career.
Friday was his last day on the job, and he was honored by his colleagues with a party in the department’s roll-call room.
He said staying in the part of town he grew up in was “very interesting” as he got to see how the lives of his friends and neighbors played out, sometimes with mixed results.
“I got to see all my old friends and see what they did and see what they didn’t do,” Walker said.
Officer Anthony Tulipano, another East Side native, said Walker was in his element on the East Side.
“He took care of it like it was his own backyard,” Tulipano said.
Officer Ken Ruse, who worked the East Side car opposite of Walker’s for years, said Walker had a great presence on his beat.
“He knew almost everybody all over there,” Ruse said. “We could get a situation under control because of him. He’ll be missed.”
Walker is one of several veteran officers who have retired over the past couple of years, making way for a crop of new officers to fill the ranks. He said the most important thing they have to learn is to be able to talk to people in any situation.
“It’s critical that they develop people skills,” Walker said. “Sometimes you have to go with what you see, and you have to understand what you don’t see.”
He also said new officers need to learn when to talk and when to stay quiet,
“Become a good listener,” Walker said. “After all, the people do pay your salary.”
Detective Sgt. Anita Davis, one of the supervisors on day turn, said it was a pleasure to supervise Walker. Chief Robin Lees also served with Walker and said his experience will be missed.
Walker said he decided to retire because “it’s time,” and he also has a business he runs. He also will be working for the city board of education and plans on traveling. He said he has traveled around the world twice and wants to do it again.