KEMMERER — Kemmerer police officer Bill Thek retired on Monday, Feb. 3, after 34 of service. The Kemmerer Police Department threw a surprise retirement party for Thek at the Lincoln County Training and Event Center on Monday. Thek started working for the Wyoming Highway Patrol in 1986, and from there he moved to the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. Following his service with the Sheriff’s Office, he accepted a position with the Kemmerer Police Department. “I’m sad and happy,” said Police Chief Mike Kahre, talking about Thek retiring. He added Thek was one of the best detectives in the department. “I’ve already told him that his time will now become everyone else time,” said retired SergeantScott Miller of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, who was with the sheriffs office at the same time as Thek. The Kemmerer Police Department put together a shadow box, full of memories from his time in law enforcement, they gave to him at his retirement party. “I’m glad my time can be my own, and I can do what I want; however, I’m going to miss this so much. I’ve been doing this almost half my life,” said retired officer Bill Thek.