The Athens Police Department, family, and friends celebrated APD Sgt. William "Bill" Carlow's final day at the department Friday at the Cain Center.  Sgt. Carlow retired after 28 years at the department.

Sgt. Carlow started his career as a jailer at the Henderson County Sheriff's Office in 1993, became a reserve officer at APD in 1994, and became a full-time officer in March 1995.

Sgt. Carlow's awards include earning the Benny R. Everrett Officer of the Year Award in 1996, 2002, 2006, and 2007. He was also the Athens Rotary Club Officer of the Year in 1997, and the Benny R. Everrett Supervisor of the Year Award in 2022. He also earned a Lifesaving Award in the 1990s.

During Friday's ceremony, Sgt. Carlow was presented with a watch by City Manager Elizabeth Borstad, his duty weapon by Assistant Chief Rodney Williams, and a shadowbox of his badges and rank by Chief John Densmore. State Rep. Keith Bell also sent a Certificate of Congratulations honoring Sgt. Bell.