A Long Time to be a Cop details the journey of retired Knox County Sheriff and Galesburg Police Lieutenant David Clague. With nearly five decades of service, Clague shares both his insights and stories on the cases he worked. Fellow officers, investigators, politicians and chiefs, and a retired prosecutor and judge are among those describing their own work with Clague. Readers will explore high-speed chases, homicides, drug busts and undercover operations along with the bittersweet balance of victory and loss throughout his career.
Each chapter weaves together the past and present, providing a portrait of Galesburg, a town rich in history where debates shaped a nation and poets found their voice. From the founding days of the police department in 1841 to the complexities of modern policing, Clague's narrative brings to life the critical role of those who serve and protect.
The book spotlights the challenges law enforcement faces today. A Long Time to be a Cop is not just for crime aficionados. It's for anyone interested in the real stories behind the badge and the communities they affect.