Officer Jim Bachman retires from Lewes Police Department
Injured in the line of duty May 2021, Pfc. James Bachman retired from the Lewes Police Department during a ceremony June 13 at city hall. Surrounded by friends, family and former colleagues, Bachman was honored by the city for his tireless efforts to improve his hometown community.
Bachman began his law enforcement career in Seaford in 2008. Rising to the rank of corporal and earning a life-saving award with Seaford PD, Bachman, born and raised in Lewes, returned home in 2015. As a certified ALICE instructor, Bachman trained residents in effective methods for dealing with an active shooter.
The hours he worked were long, but the contributions to the safety of his hometown were incalculable, and as a team player, protecting the community was his No. 1 priority. Bachman was lauded by his colleagues for being a tremendous teammate and, when the time came, mentor to those entering the ranks.
“His main goal was to make sure the community was safe, make sure all the officers come home safe to their families, and he did that brilliantly,” said Milton Police Capt. Sherrie Harmon.
Harmon, a former Lewes sergeant, presented the career and accolades of Bachman to the community. She pointed out how the officers in attendance had all been affected in a positive way by Bachman during their time in Lewes.
When given a chance to go on record with a retirement statement, a humble Bachman approached the podium and said, “I would like for us all to recognize a moment of silence for Deputy Hilliard, who was killed last night, and he did not make it home. That’s what these guys face every day.”
Wicomico County Sheriff Deputy First Class Glenn Hilliard, 42, died after he was shot June 12 pursuing a wanted suspect in Pittsville, Md.
Bachman thanked everyone in council chambers before walking out to the steps of city hall. Lined up on the steps were officers who had worked with Bachman, many of whom are now employed at other precincts. The officers raised their hands to salute their former colleague and forever friend. Bachman reluctantly held his hand to his forehead one last time as a Lewes police officer before giving the final salute of his decorated law enforcement career.
