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Bakersfield police create a 'Last Stand' downtown, as a way to say goodbye to retiring officers

A silent, respectful salute to a former colleague
The Last Stand
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It's called 'the Last Stand'... a simple, somewhat understated tradition that started about 10 years ago inside the Bakersfield Police Department.

Officers forming a small tunnel of cruisers with lights flashing, to send off a retiring colleague with more than 15 years on the force.

There's no pomp or circumstance, just a nearly silent 'drive by' with a farewell wave to their brothers and sisters in blue.

On this day, Sgt. Matt Eastman put the finishing touch on a more than 28 yr career.

A cadet with current Police Chief Lyle Martin at the Academy back in the day.

Now, Chief Martin is the only remaining member of that class, still with the BPD.

Bakersfield, CA

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