Sun City resident and former police officer shares his days on the job in new book

SUN CITY — Thirty years, three months, fifteen days, and two hours. That’s how long Larry Casey served as a Chicago Police officer. Casey moved to Sun City two-and-a-half years ago. Sergeant Casey was the third generation of men in his family to join the Chicago Police Department.

Casey said, “Having had a grandfather and father in the Chicago Police Department, the choice of becoming a police officer was relatively simple.”

Does he miss it?

“I don’t miss the work, but I do miss the camaraderie. We had a feeling of trust and friendship. I had known many officers for a long time and we have gone through the same kind of experiences that bound us for life. We had a great group,” he said.

How did he handle the stress of the job?

“Humor,” he said. “It is a policeman’s best outlet for stress and pressure.”

Casey used that humor to tell the story of his life’s work in a book. The book, Stories of a Chicago Police Officer, Murphy, contains the many stories Casey has to tell.

Casey said, “This book is separated into two parts. The first part consists of memories of a patrolman. The second part references my years as a sergeant. I divided the book this way for ease of reading because a patrolman’s work and a sergeant’s responsibilities are so completely different. Some memories are hilarious and others will leave a tear in your eye. Some are my experiences and others were loosely told from stories told after work while sharing a cold beer with fellow officers.”

While the work was hard, Casey said he had some favorite moments as a police officer.

Casey said, “I was called to a crime scene at a grammar school where a robbery had taken place. An eighth grader, a girl, had written down some information that helped me catch and arrest the individuals involved. We admired her foresight to take down the details and wanted to recognize her for her efforts. Working with her father, we got her down to the station on the pretense to talk to us about the crime. She walked into a room of an applauding audience where she received a Citizen’s Award for her part in the case.”

Casey’s book gives the readers a vicarious experience of living through the trials and mishaps of the job. The book’s cover has a photo of an officer sitting on the steps of a home with two boys. This is Sgt. Casey, and the boys are his sons, Chris and Nick.

The apples didn’t fall far from the tree, but took a slightly different course.

Casey said, “They both took the Police Officer Exam and were offered a spot in the Police Academy, but they declined. It was the happiest day of my life. I know how hard it was for my wife, Sandra with me on the job. They both have successful careers outside of law enforcement.

Are there more books to come?

Casey said, “Yes, I have three that I am working on. One, named, The Word of The Day is based on my experience as a professor.”

Casey used his work experience and his educational background, a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Science Degree from Lewis University, to start a new career.

Casey said, “After a few months of relaxation, I started my new career as an adjunct professor of criminal justice at Wilbur Wright College. I enjoyed teaching there for 10 years.”

Despite Casey’s career success, he has a different view of what it means to make it to the top.

“I was once asked by a student if I was a success by being a sergeant, obtaining a master’s degree, or writing a book. I replied, I was a success because I was married for 37 years and I had two successful sons,” he said.

His other books are ABCs of Advancement and a joke book.

You can find Stories OF A Chicago Police Office on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Barnes and Noble. You can also purchase an autographed copy at storiesofachicagopoliceofficer.com.

Casey donates $2 from the sale of every book to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to honoring the lives of fallen heroes.

Casey said, “Please enjoy my thirty years of vaudeville. I hope you enjoy every story.”

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