Janssen Retires Following 23 Year Career With SPD

Following a career of 23 years, three months and 12 days, Sullivan Police Dispatcher Jerri “JJ” Janssen retired from the department on Friday, May 24.

A retirement luncheon was held Friday at Sullivan Police Headquarters, Progress Drive, in which Janssen was presented with two plaques commemorating her career, one from Sullivan Police Chief George R. Counts and one from the Board of Alderman.

Janssen stated to the Sullivan Independent News that when she first started her career in dispatch she didn’t think she would be in the position this long.

“I really didn’t think at first I would stay in this position. It’s been half of my working career, but I’m glad I stayed working with the department. It’s been a great career,” said Janssen.

Looking over her career, Janssen stated that the biggest thing that has changed the most is the increased amount of calls that can send the department from zero to a hundred events going on at one time.

What has Janssen enjoyed the most about her career?

“I really do enjoy helping people and we have a great group of people here at the department that have always kept things interesting,” said Janssen. “I really love Sullivan. I grew up here, moved away and came back to serve as a dispatcher.”

Through the years, Janssen said that she has worked with many of the same co-workers with very little turnover in the dispatch service, but with retirement that is starting to change. 

The Sullivan Independent News wishes Janssen a very enjoyable retirement.