Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 11, 1995 TAG: 9501110087
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: Medium
John S. Pannell, who turned in his badge Jan.1 after 42 years of service with the Virginia State Police, says he wouldn't have wanted any other career.
``I really and truly feel this was the job I was intended to have,'' Pannell said recently. ``I have a certificate in accounting; there certainly were other things I could have been doing - but it just fit me to a T.''
Pannell, 68, took to the roads of the commonwealth Dec.1, 1952. He has a photograph of the other state police officers who got their start that day - many of them fresh from combat in the Korean War.
``They're all gone now, unfortunately,'' he said, pointing to the faces of retired and deceased troopers. ``They were good fellows.''
Pannell served most of his time in Charlottesville, but traveled across the state on special assignments. He provided security for several U.S. presidents during their visits to Virginia.
He was among the first certified emergency medical technicians in the state and, he said, he was the state's first certified Breathalyzer technician.
``It's been a very nice and very rewarding career,'' he said. ``Certainly by staying here in Charlottesville I came out better by far than if I'd traveled all over the country chasing promotions.''
He plans to sell real estate and perhaps do a little private investigation work on the side.
``I don't think I'm going to miss'' work, said Pannell, who noted that the size of the department has nearly tripled in 40 years. ``The department's changed so much. ... That closeness, that family atmosphere, isn't there anymore.''
But, he adds, ``I still think it's the greatest outfit around.''
by CNB