The Galt community held a send-off for longtime Galt Police Department Sgt. Craig Walton as he retires from the agency and transitions fully to head up the Cal Expo police.

Dozens of people visited the backyard of the Rae House Museum to reminisce about Walton’s three decades in Galt law enforcement. Several collages displayed photos from Walton’s career in the department, and visitors signed a large picture of him, leaving well wishes.

Walton joined the force in 1993 as a dispatcher and community service officer, and became a sworn officer in 1997. He was promoted to sergeant in 2006. He served as a motor officer and coordinated Galt’s Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT.

Walton’s retirement from the Galt Police Department became official on June 19. He has served as the Cal Expo chief of police for about 2½ years.

One thing Walton made clear to attendees: He may have retired, but he isn’t leaving the area. He planned to stay involved in the local community.

As a sergeant, Walton was the first recipient of the department’s Chief’s Leadership Commendation earlier this year. He also received the Medal of Valor in 2013 for his response to the shooting death of Sacramento County animal control officer Roy Marcum.

Presenting a proclamation honoring Walton’s service, Sacramento County Supervisor Don Nottoli recalled the event.

“In this particular situation, he demonstrated courage, competence and solid professional judgment while supporting the mission,” Nottoli read from the county Board of Supervisors’ proclamation.

Nottoli added that the park in front of Sacramento County Bradshaw Animal Shelter will be renamed later this year in Marcum’s honor.

“Thank you, Craig, for your response in that particular incident, and that of your fellow officers,” Nottoli said.

“You leave a lasting imprint, a positive legacy here in this community, one of dedicated public service, and you’ve helped to better this community in many ways, some known and, probably, some not so known,” Nottoli continued, commending Walton for his distinguished service and dedication to public safety.

Council Member Rich Lozano said Walton has had a lasting impact on “law enforcement and emergency response throughout the region,” through his work in organizing CERT and regional emergency response.

“Thank you for all of your pioneering efforts in that area. It certainly makes the people of Galt safer, and the region,” Lozano added.

Vice Mayor Paul Sandhu noted the good reputation Walton has built over 30 years and reiterated Nottoli’s and Lozano’s sentiments.

During the event, Galt Sunrise Rotary presented Walton with a plaque recognizing his service and a Peace Pin.

Among his biggest influences, Walton cited his late father and his mother. He thanked his wife, Linda, for her patience as he has worked two time-intensive jobs.

“I respect her more than just about anybody in the world,” Walton said. “It’s kind of hard to stay married when you’re not around, but she managed to do it. When I got up late this morning, she said ‘What are you doing here?’ And I went, ‘Uh, I don’t know.’”

Walton said Bob Whittington, who was Walton’s sergeant, and former Galt Chief of Police Doug Matthews deeply influenced his career path.

“I learned how to be a chief from him (Matthews), and took all the best parts, and the other parts I forgot about already, so it doesn’t really matter.”