After more than 20 years with the Cole County Sheriff's Department, Lt. Joe Essen spent his last day on the job this week.
Since 1997, Essen has been a DARE officer and school resource office, working in the public and private schools outside Jefferson City.
Dep. Ralph Lemongelli will take over Essen's duties.
When Essen started as school resource officer, he was the only officer, but now school resource officers are in each of the three school districts outside of Jefferson City.
As the DARE officer, Essen went into schools teaching about the negative effects of drugs and alcohol use. During his time on the job, alcohol, marijuana and tobacco use all decreased among students.
Prior to coming to the sheriff's department, Essen was a reserve with the Jefferson City Police Department for about four years.