Like all young boys, Dean Berrigan grew up revering his father, Brian Berrigan. While most kids think their parents are superheroes, Dean’s dad was actually a real hero.
When Dean was just a year old, Brian graduated from the police academy and became an officer with the Phillipsburg Police Department in New Jersey. In his 25 year career, Officer Berrigan, also known as the 299th Insignia, has seen a lot while protecting and serving the people of Phillipsburg.
Responding to countless emergency calls and even delivering a child, Agent Berrigan has made it his mission to help his community.
When Constable Berrigan reached his 25th year of public service, he decided it was time to retire. Officer Berrigan seemed visibly emotional at the end of his last day on the job, and became even more emotional by the time of his final call.
Upon entering the police station, Officer Berrigan and his partner heard Dean’s voice on their radio. In addition to setting an example of heroism and duty to the people of Phillipsburg, Officer Berrigan’s example also inspired Dean to join the police force.
The 26-year-old dean even had the chance to serve with his father for the first six months of his career, showing his old man
Hearing his son’s words on the radio, Officer Berrigan had to hold back tears as he told Dean the oath of his father’s career story. Dean started reminding everyone that he was just a kid when Agent Berrigan started his service with the people of Phillipsburg. After 25 years, Dean stands by his father as an officer brother.
As Officer Berrigan receives many thanks on his last day of duty, Dean thanks him for being the best role model the boy could ask for, a statement that elicited an emotional sigh from his father.
Continuing, Dean reveals that over time, Officer Berrigan has become more than his father: he has become his career mentor. As Junior Officer Berrigan misses seeing his father in action, he greets him and says he will miss him.
Dean also informs his father that despite his retirement from the police force, the Phillipsburg Police Department will always be his family. Concluding his speech, Dean told his father that he loved him and that he had finally reached the finish line safely. Turning the chain over to his father, Dean said he could now declare himself on leave.
Afterwards, Officer Berrigan wiped the tears from his eyes, telling his partner he wasn’t sure he’d be able to speak after hearing such a heartfelt goodbye. Picking up the receiver, Constable Berrigan said he was off duty and his last words as a police officer were a declaration of love for his son.
