For Dad's Final Day as Mass. Cop, Son Flies Across Country for His Last Radio Call

Son of retiring cop made surprise appearance at his last radio call.
Nate Ledoux made a surprise appearance for his dad's last day on the force. Southbridge Police Department

Nate Ledoux surprised his father on his last day on the force.

A retiring Massachusetts cop had no idea his son had flown across the country for his final day on the force.

Officer Duane Ledoux was in his cruiser, winding up a career of more than 30 years, when he placed his last radio call, known as a "final code five."

Chief Shane Woodson thanked Ledoux for his dedicated service and wished him all the best.

Then, over the crackling static, came the voice of Ledoux's grown son, Nate.

"It is my sincere pleasure to announce that after 32-and-a-half years of service, my father, Southbridge police Officer Duane Ledoux is retiring and has given his final code five," the son said.

"It is my honor to acknowledge this code five, to set free a man who has sacrificed so much of his time for all of us, so that he may spend the rest of his life discovering new craft beer, exploring this beautiful country and, most important of all, chasing glory. Officer Ledoux, badge No. 1041, dad, you are officially code five.”

The dad banged his head with the radio's microphone and teared up.

"He did come home," the overcome father said. "He did come home."

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