Retiring Lawrence police sergeant Susan Hadl jokes with former Lawrence police officer Don "Red Dog" Gardner at a retirement ceremony held for Hadl recognizing her for her years of service with the Lawrence Police Department on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011.
Growing up in Lawrence, Susan Hadl watched the television series “The Mod Squad” about three cool, young crime fighters.
She wanted to be a cop.
Years later, after becoming an officer with her hometown police force, she learned the reality of the profession was nothing like her favorite show.
“Nevertheless, I really fell in love and developed a passion for law enforcement,” Hadl said Friday at her retirement ceremony. “And I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Hadl, who has served as a sergeant since 1990, spoke at the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center to fellow police and Douglas County sheriff’s officers, city officials and others as she stepped down.
Police Chief Tarik Khatib said Hadl had received about 70 thank-you cards and letters from officials or members of the public for her actions as an officer. She was often commended for her work as an investigator and the clear reports she wrote.
“She has continued to uphold values that we expect, that the community expects and is an example to others in law enforcement with those ideals,” Khatib said.
Hadl has a long list of accomplishments as an officer, the chief said, including participating in the department’s critical-response team and being certified to conduct hostage negotiations. She has been serving as a patrol sergeant on the department’s midnight shift.
Those hours aren’t for everyone, but Hadl enjoyed it. She’ll miss seeing less-experienced officers develop in their careers.
“That’s the prime location in the department when you do enjoy watching people evolve and getting excited like I have been excited and passionate about their work,” she said. “That’s been a plus for me. Absolutely.”
The 1975 Lawrence High graduate was also recognized for her community service work, including for groups that support victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Hadl earned a master’s degree and has maintained her social work license.
“I have been entertaining using that (degree),” Hadl said. “I’m not sure what it might look like, but I’d like to put that to use.”
Comments
Centurion 1 year, 5 months ago
Thank you for you service Susan. I'm sure the criminals won't miss you much but the rest of us will.
Jayhawk1958 1 year, 5 months ago
A Lawrence icon in criminal justice and public service.
cheeseburger 1 year, 5 months ago
Amen to that!
beatnik 1 year, 5 months ago
i'm sorry i missed the ceremony, she was one of the best.
Alia Ahmed 1 year, 5 months ago
Congratulations, Susan. You'll be missed!
MrClean 1 year, 5 months ago
SGT Hadl, Congrats and good luck with whatever you decide to do. It was a pleasure working for you on patrol. Kelly
redfred 1 year, 5 months ago
Leigh good luck in your retirement.
geoismeo 1 year, 5 months ago
I'm happy for her.
bearded_gnome 1 year, 5 months ago
tough as nails, I pittied the criminals she pursued.
smart, great at her job.
indeed a very good investigator.
gonna be very hard to replace.
congrats Sgt. Hadl, you've earned a very fine retirement.
srmriley 1 year, 5 months ago
A wonderful person too. Congratulations, Susan! You are the best!
buffalo63 1 year, 5 months ago
Amen to that!!! Look forward to talking to you soon!
lionheart72661 1 year, 5 months ago
Thank you for your many years of service
Lynn731 1 year, 5 months ago
Thank you for your years of service.
motercyclejim 1 year, 5 months ago
Thnak you for your multipple years of service.
Jonathan Kealing 1 year, 5 months ago
As the J-W editor overseeing the midnight shift reporters for a while, I always appreciated the way Sgt. Hadl worked with our reporters, who were often young and still learning the tricks of the trade. While I never met her on the streets, I know her reputation, and it was outstanding. I'm sure Lawrence is going to miss having Sgt. Hadl on the streets.
Finnbar1 1 year, 1 month ago
we have a JK sighting :-)
BorderRat 1 year, 5 months ago
Susan, best wishes in your retirement and thanks of all the Tootsie Pops.
TheSychophant 1 year, 5 months ago
Wow, its very rare that a news article about a public servant receives this many comments, AND all positive. She must be one heck of a good person and a good cop. Too bad she is retiring. We need more like her.
bearded_gnome 1 year, 5 months ago
TS, personally I think someone should write a book about her.
yes, I am serious.
ivalueamerica 1 year, 5 months ago
A treasure.
justajoe 1 year, 5 months ago
I don't know Sgt. Hadl but have heard good things about her from those who do. You have to admire someone who has dedicated her life to a tough and often thankless job and has earned so much respect and affection along the way.
Guardian 1 year, 5 months ago
Susan,
It was an honor and a pleasure working with you all those years. Enjoy your retirement; you deserve it.
Ex L-61.
smokey 1 year, 5 months ago
Ljworld didn't mention how many years of service she had? Does anyone have the answer?
cheeseburger 1 year, 5 months ago
32
infidel 1 year, 5 months ago
Of the many times I have meet Susan, and the one time I needed her, thank you. You have been an asset to the community. Others in Law Enforcement should look up to you as great example. I wish you well in your future profession.
Mike_Gerhardt 1 year, 5 months ago
Congrats Sgt. You indeed will be missed.
smitty 1 year, 1 month ago
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smitty 1 year, 1 month ago
Susan Hadl responded to a 911 in Dec and beat the EMT's to the call. She went past the family without gathering information(sounds all too familiar read Sevier killing ) to the older male who was having a seizure..that went on for over 15 minutes......Problem is Hadl had her flashlight on and waved it in the eyes of the man having a seizure and shouted questions about what drugs was he on...shouting over and over until the EMT and family stopped her.
An attempt to "discuss" Hadl's behavior with the LPD was met with a report that Hadl had retired.....nothing was done .....not even a cursory check that the training or policies are adequate so medics would not be hampered and critically ill do not get harmed by the bullying ignorance of LE. This seems like a another highly possible LPD civil suit case, IMHO.
smitty 1 year, 1 month ago
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smitty 1 year, 1 month ago
OK, this clears up the mustach questions...
LPD policies on appearances....
B. A mustache may be worn at the option of the individual, however, it will be neatly trimmed and will not extend below the corners of the mouth.
smitty 1 year, 1 month ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
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