On Thursday, February 2, 2017 the Urbana Police Division will be honoring Lieutenant Seth King, for his 25-years of service to the Urbana Police Division and to the Urbana community. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day we will be holding a retirement reception at the police division. The public is welcome to come.

John 15:13 says: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his brother.” For the past 25 years I’ve been honored to work alongside Seth, admiring him as a man of great character and a tremendous work ethic. I don’t think Seth has ever short-changed this division or our community in providing us both with his very best every-single-day. Seth remained a humble man throughout his career and never sought the spotlight, even though many of our successes were directly because of his efforts.

Beginning his career with us on February 23, 1992, I was lucky enough to be assigned as a training officer to Seth. I’m convinced that from that day until today, I’ve learned much more from him than he ever did from me, and for that I’m very thankful.

Lt. King is a born and raised Champaign Countian, who fortunately for us had a hand in many of the police division’s successes throughout the past 25 years. Some of Lt. King’s service record includes:

In 1995 he was selected to be specially assigned to handle all Juvenile & Elderly type issues for the Division and he created many new programs to serve both spectrums of our citizens in positive ways.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and was responsible for supervising various patrol shifts, and molding many officers during their careers.

In 2008 he was selected to be specially assigned to oversee our Criminal Investigative Unit, where he was responsible for many of our more difficult felony and high-profile investigations.

He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2012 and has served since as the 2nd in command for the Division.

He’s received many commendations throughout his career for great achievement in police cases, and for his involvement in our community outreach efforts.

In 2012 he received the prestigious Criminal Investigation Award from the American Police Hall Of Fame, for his efforts in helping us to solve the homicide of Jessica Rae Sacco which resulted in the convictions of 5 people for their parts in this crime.

I will always be thankful that it was you who were in the arena, with me, helping the Urbana Police Division to meet the everyday challenges we face in providing safety and community outreach services for this great city we call Urbana.

Remain faithful, positive and humble as you move onto the next challenge in life. Thank you for your friendship and for the service you’ve given to the police division and our community. Your legacy with us will live on in the many lives you’ve touched as a police officer.

With Urbana Pride – I salute you.