The DeKalb Police Department is saying goodbye to a longtime member of the force Sept. 15.

Lt. Dan Gerace is retiring after over 30 years of service. After serving as a cadet from 1973 to 1976, Gerace went on to work for the Ogle County Sheriff’s Department for about one year before he was hired again by the DeKalb police in September 1977.

Gerace worked with the investigation division as a detective throughout most of his career.

In June of 1996, he was promoted to sergeant and remained in the investigation division. In July of 2001, Gerace was promoted to lieutenant and transferred to the administration division.

Several highlights of his career, according to a DeKalb Police Department press release, are testifying in a case in Arizona involving a nationwide multi-million dollar baby formula trafficking rign, several homicide cases and other violent crimes. Gerace was also a member of the DeKalb County major case squad.

“Lt. Gerace has been admired as a devoted police officer who always went the extra mile in helping citizens,” the DeKalb police press release said. “He is known by his fellow officers, other city employees and citizens for his ability to listen to their concerns.”

Gerace, a DeKalb area resident, and his wife Linda and four children. Following his retirement, he plans to look for part time work and try and catch up on interests like hunting, he said.

“I’m going to miss the type of work I do and I’m going to miss the people I work with at the department and city,” Gerace said.

DeKalb police chief Bill Feithen said he will miss Gerace’s talent, and described him as one of the nicest people he’s known and a great person to work with.

“We wish him a long, happy retirement,” Feithen said.

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