Lawrence police chief Ron Olin, center, smiles as he is greeted by friends and co-workers, including retired Lawrence Police Capt. Dan Affalter, left, during Olin’s retirement party August 26, 2010, at Maceli’s.

It was standing room only Thursday night at a retirement party for Lawrence Police Chief Ron Olin. After 39 years with the department, he’s retiring. His official last day will be at the end of the month. The celebration was held just a few days early at Maceli’s in downtown Lawrence.

Lawrence police chief Ron Olin returns a salute from officers of the Lawrence Police Department during his retirement ceremony at Macelli's on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010. Various law enforcement representatives, local leaders, friends and family came to wish Olin well in his retirement and thank him for his 39 years of service to the LPD. Olin will retire at the end of the month.

More than a dozen people addressed the large crowd to thank Olin for his years of service. Many of them offered him a token of appreciation. He received multiple plaques, a shirt and even a gun from his fellow officers.

“I am absolutely honored by the opportunity to be a police chief in Lawrence, Kansas; I have been honored every day that I go to work,” Olin told the crowd.

Some of those who spoke included Lawrence Mayor Mike Amyx, retired Lawrence Police Capt. Dan Affalter and Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson. Representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration also addressed the crowd. Each expressed personal thank-yous to Olin.

Branson presented Olin with a plaque after he turned and said to the chief, “Your longevity and service is a testament to your sincerity and your integrity, and we thank you for it.”

Lawrence City Manager Dave Corliss said the tremendous attendance at the going-away party was well-deserved.

“The community needs to express its appreciation; we’re delighted we were able to do that this evening.”

Many of those who spoke Thursday night thanked Olin’s wife Sylvie for her loyalty to the police department as well. She was recognized with a commendation award at the event. She shook her head in surprise and then hugged several police officers on the stage.

At the conclusion of the night, past and present officers with the police department were called to the front of the room. They crowded in to one side of the stage. On command, they saluted Olin, and he saluted them back.

“I have been honored to hire the people I have,” Olin said.

The chief spent the rest of the evening shaking hands and catching up with old friends.

Olin said although he’s retiring from work at the Lawrence Police Department, he’s not necessarily retiring from work altogether. He said he’s considering a couple of offers for jobs and may have some news soon. He wouldn’t elaborate.