Manuel Curry has earned his place in the record books.  Until last week, he was a police officer with the New Orleans Police Department.  His "end of service" date will be June of 2009.  What makes him and this story special is his "start of service" date.  That would be 1946.

Sgt. Maj. Manuel Curry had more than sixty years on the job.  More than six decades!

Before becoming a police officer, he stormed Omaha Beach during the D-Day Invasion in World War II. 

From WWLTV:

Serving his country as a medic at Omaha Beach in Normandy, Curry earned France’s Legion of Honor at the 60th anniversary of D-Day in 2004, one of only 100 U.S. veterans to receive the award.

Curry was a decorated officer with the NOPD, awarded the Medal of Merit – the department's second-highest award – and three Medals of Commendation during his career.

“After serving a long tenure as sergeant, he was awarded the unique distinction of ‘sergeant major’, in recognition of his tenure and dedication to the NOPD. He is the only person to ever hold that position,” said a statement from police.

At age 84 he was still working the road, and he never left the front lines during Hurricane Katrina.

A story like this can set off all kinds of conversations ranging from when you should retire to the maximum age an officer should be permitted to work the road.

But, those should be left for another day.

Sgt. Maj. Curry died last week.  He was 84. 

Reset in Peace our brother.