GARLAND -- A North Texas couple who pursued careers in law enforcement found love on the job.
This week Jay and Gloria Delmar retired from the Garland Police Department after combined careers of almost 70 years.
I remember seeing her on the night we took our civil service exam, Jay Delmar said.
More than 30 years ago he and Gloria entered the police academy together training day in and day out to earn their badges. The training included long runs.
He was always right ahead of me, so it was always my goal to pass him or at least catch him, Gloria said. I never did catch him, but I do say I chased him until he caught me.
The young officers later married, had a daughter, and now grandchildren.
After all those years together within the department the Delmars retired from the Garland Police Department this week with honors. Together, the Delmars earned 76 commendations, two life-saving bars, seven certificate of merit bars, and 28 certificates of merit.
Beyond the commendations, the couple also made lasting bonds with their coworkers, who they call their second family.
Now the couple that mixed love and the law looks forward to the next chapter in their lives.
She is my best friend, Jay said.
Same here, Gloria replied.
