After 35 years, Carmel's Jerome Engele is retiring from the Saskatoon Police Service.

Engele grew up in the small community outside Humboldt doing what most kids did, playing hockey. His career eventually took him to the Saskatoon Blades before he went on to play pro hockey including 100 games in the National Hockey League.

Following his playing career he returned to the Bridge City and joined their police force in 1980.

This week the 65 year-old was recognized by Chief Clive Weighill for his years of service.

Away from the force Engele continues to be involved with hockey and the Blades, he serves as an assistant coach alongside other locals, Head Coach and General Manager Bob Woods from LeRoy and St. Benedict's Dean Brockman.