Celebrated as “one of Brownwood’s finest detectives”, Robert R. Mullins officially retired from the Brownwood Police Department Wednesday surrounded by friends and family.
Sergeant Troy Carroll spoke of Mullins stating that he was “a great asset to the City of Brownwood” and will be “sorely missed” at the Brownwood Police Department.
Having lived in Brownwood all of his life, Mullins and his wife Diana will continue to live in Brownwood. Mullins is a 1973 graduate of Brownwood High School and also attended Howard Payne University. He also graduated from the Tarleton Police Academy in January 1986.
Outlining his working career, Carroll stated that Mullins began his employment delivering newspapers and then working at Dairy Queen. He then got a job at Safeway and worked in the grocery business for 15 years until he took a leap of faith and began his law enforcement career in 1986. In 1995 he received both his intermediate and advanced peace officers certification. June 2001 Mullins received his Master Peace Officer Designation and has 3100 training hours in multiple disciplines. He has also served 21 years in the BPD Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
“Overall, he is one of the best detectives we have had in Brownwood,” stated Carroll.
He served under four administrations in the Brownwood Police Department under chiefs Joe Don Taylor, Joe Robbins, Virgil Cowan and Mike Corley.
Numerous awards have been given to Detective Mullins over the years, including Optimist Club’s Officer of the Year (1988), DEA awards in 1996 and 1998, Hometown Hero at the Brownwood Reunion (2002), BPD Medal of Valor (2005), and in 2009 he was awarded the BPD Officer of the Year.
The crowd of people enjoying the retirement celebration consisted of law enforcement officers from Brownwood Police Department, Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Safety Officers and their staff; City of Brownwood Employees; Brown County District Attorney’s Office and many more.
“The full house makes it obvious that you are very respected within the community,” stated Chief Corley. “This admiration and respect is well earned and deserved.”
Corley spoke of when he first took his position; he learned quickly that Mullins was the top guy to go to when you needed anything. His service to the department cannot be replaced according to Corley.
“Thank you, from me and everyone else,” stated Corley. “We will miss you.”
BPD presented Mullins with a clock commemorating his service, a certificate from Texas Governor Rick Perry acknowledging his service, and a flag that has been flown over the Texas State Capital in his honor.
His wife Diana Mullins was presented with a vase of roses as a thank you for her support of his career and all the sacrifices she has made.
The Peace Officers Association recognized Mullins as well, offering their thanks for his years of dedicated service and “bringing your talents to Brownwood”.
Fire Marshal Buddy Preston presented Mullins with an evidence envelope containing a pocket knife as a gift to help with all the “Honey-Dos” of retirement.
Former BPD Chief Joe Robbins presented Mullins with a commemorative set of gold coins.
To all the accolades, Mullins stated that he was humbled by the reception and all in attendance.
“This is really humbling. It’s been a good career, a long career,” stated Mullins. “It’s just beyond my belief who is here.”
Mullins then thanked his wife for her support and for telling him to “do what you’d like to do”. He noted that she worked 40 hours a week and also raised two babies during his police training, then stood beside him all the years of his career.
“She is my rock,” stated Mullins of his wife. “I appreciate what you both gave up for me to do this,” he stated to his family.
Troy Carroll summed up Mullins career by stating, “If everybody had the morals and ethics he has, we’d never have troubles with any police officer. You’ve been a great mentor and it’s been great learning from you.”
Please see photo gallery below.
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