There was standing room only for the Retirement Ceremony for Troy Police Chief Jimmy Ennis Friday afternoon.

And, if anyone had words other than those of praise for Ennis, they were not spoken.

From Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves and Rep. Alan Boothe to Marcus Shumack, U.S. Secret Service to Chris Carden, State Attorney General’s Office, they all said they hold Ennis in high esteem.

Former Troy Police Chiefs Grady Reeves and Anthony Everage said Ennis was an exemplary chief and had been a counselor and mentor to those who served under him, as well as an outstanding and dedicated public servant.

Ennis has 30 years of law enforcement to his credit. He had worked with the Brundidge Police Department prior to coming to the Troy Police Department in 1985. He was promoted to patrol sergeant in 1994, detective director in 1997 and chief in 2011.

Ennis expressed appreciation for the opportunities that he was given and to those who worked along side him to serve and protect the citizens of Troy.

“I could get emotional,” Ennis said. And, perhaps, to keep from getting emotional, he kept his remarks lighthearted.

He said when he was appointed chief of the Troy Police Department, he asked his wife, Jeannie, if she ever thought, in her wildest dreams, that he would be chief of police.

“She said I was never in her wildest dreams,” Ennis said and the packed house responded in laughter.

Ennis gave credit for any successes that he has had to those who have worked with him and to the city’s administrative staff for the leadership it has provided.

“There’s no better city that I could have worked for,” he said. “The highlight of my career had been being the chief of police for the City of Troy.”

One after another, those who stepped to the podium said Ennis has led by example and always with the commitment to treat others like he would like to be treated.

Ennis’ challenge to his officers was to always strive to improve, to be willing and eager to learn, to work hard and maintain a positive attitude and always be vigilant.

Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas said Ennis followed in the footsteps of two outstanding police chiefs, Grady Reeves and Anthony Everage.

“Jimmy Ennis has carried the torch,” Thomas said. “He has set the bar high. The Troy Police Department is one of the top departments in the state. It is held to a high standard.”

When it was time to “roast” the retiring chief of police, many came forward with stories that Ennis probably wished they had kept to themselves but it was all in fun and Ennis laughed along with the taletellers.

He received special presentations from the Governor’s Office, the state Legislature, the Troy mayor and council, the U.S. Secret Service, the Attorney General’s office, the Steve Watkins Memorial Lodge FOP and the Troy Police Department,

Retired TDP information officer Benny Scarbrough gave Ennis parting advice, “Say goodbye to tension and hello to pension.”

Following the ceremony Ennis graciously accepted the many well wishes and pledged his continued dedication to the City of Troy.