Lt. Jim Kayes of the DeKalb police department will say goodbye to the force after over 33 years of service Monday.

Kayes started with the department on May 1, 1974 and was assigned to the investigation division five years later. Kayes was promoted to sergeant in June 1987 and returned to the patrol division, and in March 1991 was transferred to the administrative division. Upon his promotion to lieutenant in August 1994, he assumed command of the investigation division.

Before starting with the department, Kayes served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. His service included a tour in Vietnam, according to a DeKalb Police Department press release.

Kayes was one of the founders of the DeKalb County major case squad in 1999 and has served as commander of the task force since its inception. Kayes also shared the Police Officer of the Year award bestowed by the DeKalb County Marines in 2004. He directed the department’s fire arm training program, and is also credited with initiating rapid response training for critical situations at local schools.

“Jim is recognized within the law enforcement community as an exceptional criminal investigator whose talents and leadership contributed to successful outcomes in numerous homicide cases and other major crime over the years,” said DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen in a press release. “Jim is a person whose opinion I value, a person of integrity and a dedicated police officer. Jim never lost focus over the years. He worked diligently at solving crime and apprehending those who were a danger to the community.”

Feithen stated in the release that on behalf of the city of DeKalb and members of the DeKalb Police Department, he extends his best wishes for a long and happy retirement to Jim and his family.

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