Lacey police officer never missed a day on job in 30 years

Lacey police Sgt. Rick Monk’s 30 years of protecting and serving the community ended Friday with a remarkable achievement: He never once took a sick day during his entire career on the force.

To mark his perfect work record, the command staff at Lacey Police Department on Friday presented Monk with a special gift in the Lacey City Council chambers. In front of a room packed with Lacey officers and police from other Thurston County agencies, Monk received a framed, autographed photo of baseball’s “iron man,” Cal Ripken Jr., who set a major-league baseball record by playing in 2,632 games in a row for the Baltimore Orioles.

Lacey police Cmdr. John Suessman said Monk worked 7,120 days, averaging a 10 ½-hour shift each day. That averages out to 240 shifts each year for 30 years — weekends, holidays and vacations excluded.

“It is your dedication to service that we will never forget,” Suessman said.

Ripken signed the photo: “Here’s to a real iron man, enjoy your retirement.”

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