CANYON CITY – About 30 well-wishers gathered in the Grant County Sheriff’s Office Sept. 25 as Sheriff Glenn Palmer presented Undersheriff Jim McNellis with a plaque as a token of his appreciation for the 20 years of law enforcement service McNellis provided to the county.

It was the last day in uniform for McNellis, who was retiring after a total of 40 years in law enforcement. His early years in the profession were spent in Texas and western and central Oregon.

“Jim was my coach and teacher when I started in law enforcement 25 years ago,” Palmer said. “He took me under his wing. If it wasn’t for Jim, I don’t think I would be where I am today.”

McNellis came from a law enforcement family; however, as a young man, working construction jobs, he felt that too many policemen seemed “arrogant.”

“I didn’t like police officers who talked down to people,” he said.

After hearing his grievances, McNellis’ older brother told him that if he felt so strongly about it, that he should wear the badge – he shouldn’t complain about it, unless he was willing to try to correct the problem.

That was 41 years ago.

“My philosophy is that we’re the protectors and keepers of the peace,” McNellis said. “How can we do that if we can’t talk to people? … I try to give people a fair shake.”

During the open house held for the undersheriff, there were plenty of compliments for McNellis and the work he’d done over the years.

Roger Langley of Dayville recalled a time, several years ago, when items from his shed went missing. After that incident, he said McNellis would take time periodically to check on Langley’s place while he was gone to Alaska.

Jim Spell of John Day said he worked for Child Protective Services for 25 years, and it was “always a comfort to go out with law enforcement (like McNellis) who knew what to say, and what not to say.”

Judy Parr of Canyon City mentioned that during her illness, “Jim’s been there and given us the support and prayers. I thank him and Judi (McNellis’ wife) for being there for us.”

Her husband, CB, was captain of Grant County Search and Rescue and retired from that position the same day as McNellis.

Palmer said that he didn’t think McNellis would stand for much retirement roasting, however, the office staff did present him with a gag gift, a Crossman bb gun, which someone jokingly suggested he could shoot out a few streetlights with.

The staff also gave him a finer gift, a .357 lever-action Winchester-style rifle.

Langley also handed him a package containing a hunting bag and a Remington 870 shotgun.

“If I run out of guns, I know where to go,” said CB Parr, with a smile.

Words of praise also came from County Treasurer Kathy Smith who said she appreciated his budget sense and, later, Civil Deputy Sally DeFord said, “He’s a very wonderful teacher, a wealth of information and a very dedicated law enforcement officer.”

McNellis stepped forward after hearing the many words of praise to credit the crew he worked with for the accomplishments reached.

“I always had guys at my back that I know were going to cover my back,” he said.

Commenting on his years in law enforcement, McNellis said, “On one hand it seems like it’s been forever – on the other hand time seems to have passed like a blink.”

McNellis ceremoniously pinned his badge on the uniform of Dep. Todd McKinley, who now holds the duties of undersheriff.

In his retirement, McNellis plans to fish, hunt and do woodworking projects for his wife.

During the get-together, Palmer stated, “I appreciate you, I’m mad at you, but I’m happy for you.”

“When I catch that sturgeon, I’ll be thinking about you,” McNellis said.