_0.jpg)
Hundreds gather at Lemoore Civic Auditorium to honor Oscar Lucio as he retires from the Lemoore Police Department
The 1982 Lemoore High School grad was all smiles and seemed humbled by all the attention as friends and supporters munched on Mexican food. They delivered nothing but rave reviews for Lucio, who once upon a time – before the lure of the blue uniform and badge took hold – considered a career as a cabinet maker.
The 54-year-old with three children: Tyler, 32, Taylor 24, and Margaret, 20, chose well. Wife Mellissa, whom he wed in 1990, was all smiles too. Melissa, who owns a local bookkeeping business, helped organize the event held at the Lemoore Civic Auditorium on Saturday night, Jan. 12.
Even his parents, Oscar Sr. and Gerry Lucio, were on hand for their son’s farewell from the force. His daughter Taylor also got in on the act, rendering a beautiful version of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
“I was going to be a cabinet maker,” remembered Lucio, sporting a goatee beard with littered by flecks of gray. “But one day I took an Administration of Justice class at College of the Sequoias, and I got hooked. It was all about the law and helping people,” he remembered.
He attended the Tulare-Kings Police Academy on the COS campus, and things have never been the same. “I applied at Visalia, Kings County, and Lemoore as a reserve officer. “I got hired full time in June of 1986 after eight months as a reserve officer.”
His first chief was a kindly figure, Bill Mitchel. The soft-spoken law enforcement officer was the first of several Lucio was to serve throughout his career. The others included Ken Marvin (who later went on to serve as the Kings County Sheriff), Chief Stoll, Bob Carden, Kim Morrell, Jeff Laws and finally Darrel Smith.
His last, Smith, had nothing but praise for the long-time officer. “Sergeant Lucio has honorably served our community for 32 years,” he said. “Throughout his career, he never lost sight of what is expected from our profession, and that is that we are public servants. Oscar’s commitment and dedication to service are without question some of his finest attributes.
“I have never heard anyone say anything disparaging or negative about Lucio,” added Smith. "Oscar has a simple philosophy when it comes to how to treat people, and that is to treat all people with dignity and respect.”
In 1986, when he was sworn in, Lucio remembers there may have 15 to 18 sworn officers. Today, the LPD has 33 sworn officers.
One of the highlights of his career was serving as the Youth Development Officer (YDO) for seven years. Usually, the three-year assignment, but Lucio turned it into a mini-career. “It was a three-year assignment, and I did seven,” he said. “I liked it, and I think the administration liked me so why change? There were always a variety of things you can do there, to try and get the kids involved. I was able to show them support, going to their homes, their plays, their concerts, FFA events. I think they appreciated that.”
Even when he wasn’t serving the high school, Lucio’s personable skills translated well out in the field. “I liked interacting with people in the community, helping them with their issues and problems.”
Lucio had nothing but kind words for his friends and fellow law enforcement officers, who turned out for the once-in-a-lifetime event. “It was overwhelming. Lucio credits wife Melissa for delivering a top-notch retirement party.
So, what’s next for the still-young 54-year-old former cop? Well, a part-time job might figure in his future, but for now, he and Melissa will enjoy their time in the Lemoore RV Club, a group of folks who haul camping trailers around the country, roughing it among nearby pine trees and calm oceans.
“We have two trips coming up next month. We’re going to Morro Bay next weekend and then San Luis Obispo in February.” He and Melissa also plan many trips to visit kids and grandchildren.
“I’m going to start playing golf soon,” he mused. “I’m taking it easy for now, but there’s probably a part-time job somewhere in my future.”
