Bidding Farewell to Officer Keller

Officer+Keller+prepares+for+retirement+after+30+years+of+service+to+the+school.+

Talia Sankari

Officer Keller prepares for retirement after 30 years of service to the school.

As he walks into the art gallery, he catches sight of 30 years of memories from his time working with the Hinsdale Police Department. Also visible is a “best wishes” cake sending him off into retirement, 30 years worth of pictures, certificates, and banners filling the room. After his dedication to the school for 30 years, school officials held a celebration for Officer Mark Keller who will begin a new endeavor as a student supervisor at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, Ill.

View of Officer Keller's going away party in the art studio.
View of Officer Keller’s going away party in the art studio.

Officer Keller first wanted to become a police officer after he took a class in criminal justice, which prompted him to change his major from computer science to criminal justice. After spending most of his career at Central, Keller admits that he’ll miss the school and is sad that he is leaving.

“I look forward to coming to work every morning,” Keller said.

Keller’s favorite part of his job was getting the opportunity to change so many lives. He helped turn around the lives of multiple students, one of whom became a doctor.

Over 25 year old picture of Officer Keller.
Officer Keller, above, from more than 25 years ago when he started his police career. 

Keller’s replacement, Officer Tom Lilly, has already begun. He has been working with the Hinsdale Police Department for 15 years, and has been on the SWAT team for the last 10 years.