APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) - The Appleton Police Department is celebrating the nearly 30-year career of one of its sergeants who retired this week. Sergeant Chue Thao started his career in law enforcement exactly 29 years ago this week, and he's the first Hmong police officer in the Appleton Police De partment's history. Wisconsin Jersey Mike’s donates all sales to Special Olympics Local 5 spoke with Sergeant Chue Thao in May 2021, which is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Sgt. Thao immigrated to the United States in 1982. When his father sadly died when Sgt. Thao was just 10 years old, he took extra responsibility as an older sibling. Sgt. Thao to Local 5 in 2021 that he took that responsibility and put it towards his eventual start with the Appleton Police Department. "I decided to go to law enforcement as a way to continue to do the right thing, continue to serve people, continue to contribute to the community and also for my family," Sgt. Thao said. Now, Sgt. Thao starts the next chapter of his life post-retirement, the Appleton Police Department recognized his years of working on major crimes with the Investigative Service Unit. Sgt. Thao also mentored young detectives and worked on outreach events. "[Sgt. Thao] acted as a pillar of our community—all while exemplifying humility, empathy, a tireless work ethic and a strong moral character," the Appleton Police Department said on Facebook. Sgt. Thao's contributions were recognized as he was awarded the Arnie Nettekoven Lifetime Achievement Award. Hatco Corporation marks 75th anniversary with $75K donation to fight hunger The post added a statement from Sgt. Thao, who said the experience as a police officer should drive them to become better people. "Many people don’t get to see or encounter the human experience, both tragedies and joy, like we do," Sgt. Thao said in the statement. "These encounters should make us better people, and more importantly, give us greater appreciation for, and of, life.” ...read more read less