Merriam Police Department Records Clerk Karen Gibson will retire later this month after nearly 30 years with the department. Gibson is responsible for providing a variety of administrative work for the police department.

Gibson started her career with the City of Merriam in April 1990 as a part-time facility supervisor at the community center before joining the police department two years later.

“I worked for four different police chiefs during my journey and have truly enjoyed it,” Gibson said. “This was a true journey as each one was different, but I have the utmost respect for each one of them.”

She’s also witnessed several police officers come and go throughout the years.

“It always seemed like when one left, apart of my family was leaving,” Gibson said. “With a small department, you become a close-knit family, and that's what I truly loved about  working for this department.”

Throughout all the personnel changes, Merriam Police Chief Michael Daniels said there’s only been one Karen.

“Karen has been a steady, positive presence for the last 29 years,” Chief Daniels said. “She can always be counted on to do her very best every single day.”

Gibson said the days are never dull, and she’s always busy.

“One thing I always said is, you think you have heard it all, and then a new day comes with something new,” Gibson said.

In 2004, Gibson was elected president of the Law Enforcement Records Association for Johnson County. She held this position until last month.

Gibson will now trade maintaining police records for running after her grandchildren.

“I am now ready to start the next chapter of my life, which is being able to travel and enjoy camping with my 10 grandchildren,” Gibson said.

Her last day is March 25.