Ever since we moved to the Elmwood, we’ve received regular, informative emails from Roderick Roe, our Beat 8 police officer. Roe leavened the usual litany of break-ins and car thefts with helpful advice and a distinct, personal voice.

I’ve just received his latest email, which is a goodbye:

Believe me, after twenty-one years as a police officer, I’ve seen too much and need a break from law enforcement.  So, as of Nov. 12thclose-of-business, I will become a private citizen…

I wanted to thank you for being the best beat in Berkeley.  I enjoyed serving you for the almost ten years I was assigned to your neighborhoods.  You welcomed me into your homes and listened to my “crime prevention preaching” (in the newsletter) without complaint.  When I asked your assistance in donations to the AIDS Ride, you came through IN A BIG WAY (I have the cool jersey to prove it!).  It was a privilege to be of service to you; being your beat cop was one of the highlights of my career and a memory I will cherish.

That sounds like the best of  Berkeley to me.

Roe is going to be a training ride leader for the 2010 AIDS Lifecycle. So if you want to try a 545-mile charity ride, or just make a contribution, you know where to go.

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Lance Knobel (Berkeleyside co-founder) has been a journalist for nearly 40 years. Much of his career was in business journalism. He was editor-in-chief of both Management Today, the leading business magazine...