Officer Alex Falconeri Retires After 25 Years of Service

After 25 years of helping keep Gulfport safe, Officer Alex Falconeri, is finally taking some much needed time off. While Falconeri may not miss the hectic days on the force, coworkers and friends say they'll surely miss him.

"He made bad days good, made good days better," Lt. Howard Coombs said.

At a casual retirement ceremony on Thursday afternoon, friends, family and coworkers celebrated Falconeri's accomplishment and thanked him for his service to the city and it's people.

Alex, known to many as A.J., Falconeri worked for the Gulfport Police Department from Jan. 28, 1987 to Jan. 28, 2012. In that time, he influenced many and helped pave the way for the next generation, he also did it all with a smile on his face and a sense of humor that lights up the room.

"He is my best friend," Det. Sgt. Robert Burkhart said.

Sgt. Josh Stone says, "He had a big positive influence on how I turned out." Sgt. Stone first met Falconeri when he was seven years old. "He's probably one of the reasons I became a cop."

Former Gulfport Police Chief G. Curt Willocks stood up and thanked Falconeri for his work. "I appreciate the time we worked together."

Pinellas Park Police Chief Dorene Thomas also came out. Thomas worked with Falconeri from 1980 to 1985. "It was a lot of good times. He's known for his one-liners, great sense of humor and compassion."

Mayor Yakes and residents Jo and David Hastings thanked him for his service.

Correction: The previous story stated that Det. Sgt. Burkhart said "He's like my best friend." Burkhart said "He is my best friend."