On 1-22-15, after 25 years of hard work and dedicated service as a Adult Probation Officer in Porter County, IN., Robert (Bob) Hanaway decided, its time to retire and rid himself of the M-F “Shirt and tie” wear, in exchange for some much needed relaxation to enjoy whatever the days and nights may bring ahead.
Prior to becoming a Adult Probation Officer he was a Police Officer for the city of Valparaiso, IN., for 20 years. Bob soon after began his journey in the field of Adult Probation in 1989. He has always been a hard working man, dad, husband and always dedicated himself to the community, by enforcing public safety, helping others and always lending a hand to his fellow co-workers.
On 1-23-15 a party was held to celebrate his retirement on the second floor of the Porter County Courthouse in Judge Chidester’s Courtroom. There were many friends and family who attended the 2 hour celebration in Honor of his years of service and dedication. Many came to celebrate Bobs retirement with laughter and joy reflecting his years of service. Those in attendance were all of his fellow co- workers (past and present) in the Adult Probation Office, Law Enforcement Officers / Detectives (past and present) from the Valparaiso, Porter County Sheriff, Indiana State Police and Portage Police Departments. Staff from the Porter County Prosecutors Office, Judges (past and present) R.Kickbush, R. Bradford, D. Chidester, Magistrate Debor and Magistrate Forbes. Also, employees of the Clerks Office, various other Courthouse employees, associates from the PACT Office, Community Corrections, Adult Protective Services, CPS, and many others who have grown to know Bob over the years.
Bob Hanaway is the first Porter County Adult Probation Officer to successfully retire from the Department since its existence. Chief Adult Probation Officer Steve Meyer said it best when he said, “Sure other Officers have come and gone but Bob stuck it out until the very end and retired with a lot of heart and passion, for the job he so loved to do, helping many probationers, as well as others in the community, as a Police Officer for the City of Valparaiso, over the years on a day in and day out basis.” Chief Meyer went on to say, “Bob will be surely missed in our department as he made you laugh, he always had a story to tell and was a joy to work with.”
Bob was involved with many memberships an organizations during his 25 year tenure as a Adult Probation Officer. Those being, APPA, ICA, POPAI, Juris Monitoring, Community Corrections and Domestic Violence Committee, just to name a few. Bob has been awarded many accolades, achievements and awarded plaques for his services in his 25 years of service through the organizations he was a part of. Just recently, at the last POPAI Board meeting on January 11th 2015, all Board Members unanimously voted to award Bob as a Honorary Lifetime Member of POPAI.
For all of us in POPAI, Judges, Adult & Juvenile Probation Officers State wide and all of those you have helped and inspired through the years, thanks for the memories, laughter and dedication!
“Congratulations Bob and enjoy your retirement!”