Crime & Safety

DiPaula: 'I Will Always Be a Cop'

Capt. Mike DiPaula, the former Essex precinct commander, retired Monday after a 35-year career with the Baltimore County Police Department.

Capt. Mike DiPaula spent 35 years, four months and 17 days in the Baltimore County Police Department.

That career ended Monday as the Bel Air resident was one of more than six commanders to take advantage of the .

DiPaula, who was the Essex precinct commander for the last four years, said he originally planned on retiring at some point in 2012, but was informed that if he took advantage of the benefit he had to call it a career by Nov. 1.

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DiPaula said he wasn't forced out but that the retirement offer was an offer he couldn't refuse. His only regret is .

"Last Wednesday, I wasn't even thinking about retirement and now I'm walking away," said DiPaula, a married father of three daughters. "I just don't want the people under my command to think I was just up and leaving suddenly. I had an awesome job and will always be a cop. I worked for the best police department in the country."

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DiPaula, 54, joined the Baltimore County Police Department at 19, not long after graduating from Calvert Hall. The Randallstown native spent his early career in the Pikesville area before going on to help form the Regional Auto Theft Task Force in 1994.

He also spent time in internal affairs, criminal investigations and as commander at the North Point precinct before taking over at the Essex precinct in September 2007.

DiPaula said his time in Essex was some of the most enjoyable of his career.

"I didn't even know where the eastside was when I first entered the department," DiPaula said. "Now, it feels like home. The citizens I got to meet have been so welcoming to me and the geography around here, especially the waterfront, is just breathtaking."

Despite the suddenness of his retirement, DiPaula is more than ready to move on to the next chapter in his life. He has always prepared for life after the department, which included forming a mortgage company and hosting a radio show, "Financial Insider Secrets" on WCBM. He also plans to begin a career as a financial planner with Everest Wealth Management.

In the meantime, he plans on enjoying the opportunity to visit his youngest daughter, who is a freshman at Coastal Carolina. DiPaula also wants to spend more time with his wife of 26 years, Angie.

“I give such credit to the wives of police officers,” DiPaula said. “They put up with so much. The deal with the shift work, the long nights and all the danger associated with the job.

"They understand what is going on, but at the same time, they don’t know everything that occurs on the job," he said. "My wife has been so understanding and is amazing.”

North Point Precinct Capt. Butch Wilson called DiPaula a mentor over the last three years. Wilson said DiPaula cares about the people under his command and about those in his precinct.

“Captain DiPaula always did what was best for his officers and for the citizens he swore to protect,” Wilson said. “I’m happy for his retirement, but the Baltimore County Police Department is losing a great commander and he will be missed.”


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