” 
“This is my little brother Brett Charles Ansel who retired from the Monroe City Police Dept. this past summer. Ever since he was a young boy he wanted to be a policeman. As a teenager he joined the reserve program which only whetted his appetite to be “a real cop!” Brett’s older brother Darryl was already serving the community as a policeman (eventually becoming chief) so Brett had a hero right in his own family.
In January of 1980 Brett became a patrolman for the city of Monroe. We were all so proud of him, and he was beaming with satisfaction himself. During those years as a patrolman he distinguished himself on many different occasions, putting his life “on the line” more than once. He helped with the “shop with a cop” Christmas program, and was chosen by his peers to help negotiate union business. During his time as a patrolman he was named “officer of the year” by his superiors, earning their respect as well.
In 2002 he was asked to head up the new motorcycle division. The new corporal loved bikes, and jumped at the chance to ride a Harley, and get paid to do it! During this time Brett was in his glory, but an opening in the detective bureau tested his love for the “big bikes!” He was offered the position, and after agonizing over the decision, he finally decided to “go for it!” At first he didn’t know if he made the right choice, but it soon became apparent that Brett was a natural for this job. In his first year on the job he solved two murder cases that had languished for years in the unsolved files. His knack for uncovering leads, and winning the confidence of suspects, was uncanny, as case after case went to trial with good solid evidence.
In 2007 he was again nominated for (and won) Monroe Police Officer of the Year. He was celebrated by his fellow officers, and superiors, as being an exemplary policeman, and a credit to the community.
Little brother retired this past summer after 29 years of dedicated service to the people of Monroe. He will be missed of this I’m sure. His dream fulfilled, his passion satisfied! Now what chapters remain to be written, only God knows, but at least He has “a good man to work with!” Congratulations Brett, you’ve made your whole family proud, and I’m sure dad is too! See ya at your retirement party Saturday.
Congratulations for a lifetime of dedicated service where we need good men to serve.
Congrats to your brother and a big thank you for his service. It sounds like he will be enjoying a well deserved retirement.