Looking around the room on Monday, it was easy to see the impact one woman had made on the City of Troy and its police department.

After 16 years, seven months and 13 days of being “momma” to a host of police officers and advisor to three police chiefs, Jackie Carlisle retired.

“Every time I visited the police chief’s office, I was always greeted with a smile,” said Mayor Jason A. Reeves, noting he’d visited with Carlisle as a police chief’s son, city council member and now, mayor.

“The city of Troy, this police department and the community are all better places because of you,” Reeves continued. “I just want you to know from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your service.”

One by one, officers, friends and community members took the microphone at the Troy Municipal Courtroom Monday afternoon to reminisce about moments with Carlisle and wish her well.

“Over the 30 years I’ve been involved with you all as co-workers, I’ve seen many retire,” Troy Council Member Johnny Witherington said with a laugh. “There have been times where I have been very, very sad and there have been times I have been very, very glad…but this isn’t one of them.”

Witherington referred to himself as a “high-maintenance council person” who needed a lot from Carlisle over the years.

“God bless you,” Witherington said to Carlisle. “I pray that you won’t be absent down here…and that God will give you great health and happiness.”

Former councilman Charles Meeks said he was honored to help Carlisle usher in her retirement.

“I am so proud of you and what you have contributed to this city,” Meeks said.

Police Chief Jimmy Ennis said he’d have been lost without Carlisle during the last two years.

“I just about went into panic mode,” Ennis laughed, remembering when Carlisle announced she would be retiring. “She told me, ‘It’s going to be OK.’ If I had a dime for every time she told me that and was right I could probably retire with her.”

Former police chief Grady Reeves said Carlisle was a welcomed addition to the police department before he retired.

“Over the years, I’ve hired a lot of folks,” Grady Reeves said. “…You turned out to be one of the best…a truly genuine person.”

Former chief Anthony Everage was part of Carlisle’s hire, as well.

“I can remember the first day Jackie came in for her interview,” Everage said, noting that he’d once received good advice to always hire people smarter than himself. “It was real obvious to me she passed that first test with flying colors.”

Everage said Carlisle was a teacher to him and a true public servant to the community.

“Jackie even taught me about etiquette,” Everage remembered with a smile. He explained he once had a cold and Carlisle came into his office and said, “A police chief doesn’t have a roll of toilet paper sitting on his desk. You need to move it to your drawer.”

Former police public information officer, Benny Scarbrough, retired earlier this year and returned to celebrate Carlisle’s retirement with her.

“The city is losing a valuable asset,” Scarbrough said. “I am thankful for the opportunity I had to work with you.”

Carlisle was also honored with special recognition from Gov. Robert Bentley and the Alabama House of Representatives and Rep. Alan Boothe.

Well wishes and compliments even came from other law enforcement offices, as well, including the Brundidge Police Department, Alabama State Troopers and the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.

“My only regret,” said Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas, “is that 16 years ago the county didn’t get an opportunity to hire you.”

Carlisle said she is happy to have been a part of the Troy Police Department and plans to spend her retirement catching up with family and friends.