When he was a child, Jim Sohan carried a plastic badge and wore a toy police cap, dreaming of patrolling the streets of his hometown as a police officer.
"The whole time I grew up, I knew I wanted to be a policeman," Sohan said.
At the end of December, Sohan will retire after a 22 year career as a Louisville police officer, starting as a beat officer with the former city police and most recently serving as the major in command of the 3rd Division in the southwestern part of the city.
Sohan, 45, said he isn't sure what his next move is going to be except to spend more time with his 13-year-old son. But he said he decided it was a good time for him to look at starting a second career and leave the department.
"I'm young enough that I can go do something else for 20 years and then be an old man who sits on a porch in a rocking chair," he said.
Sohan joined the department as a recruit in 1988, and he spent several years working in the street crimes and intelligence units, eventually being promoted to major three years ago. He has commanded the 3rd Division for the past two years.
Lt. Loyd Baker, who was sent to the 3rd Division about 14 months ago - his first time in the role of lieutenant - said he couldn't have asked for a better commander and mentor than Sohan.
"I've learned a lot from him," Baker said. "All the officers here really love him and a lot of the people in the community too."
Baker said Sohan is a caring man who is easy to talk to, which makes him approachable. During their time working together, Baker said he's learned a lot about being a good communicator and listening so that problems can get solved as a team.
"I hate to see him go," Baker said.
Sohan said leaving is bittersweet, but he wanted to leave the department on a good note, while he still felt enthusiastic about his job. He said he has faith in Police Chief Robert White and Mayor-elect Greg Fischer and the direction they will lead the department.
"I look for good things to come," Sohan said.