How does one sum up a career of 25 years? Do you measure it by the people you’ve encountered along the way? Perhaps one looks at the changes in technology, or achievements and goals reached. Regardless of how one quantifies it, a career of 25 years covers a lot of territory.
Lt. Tracy Luke is retiring on August 31, 2010 after 25 years with the Eden Prairie Police Department. She did a short stint with the Roseville Police Department prior to coming here, but the bulk of her career has been spent in the fair city of Eden Prairie. She’s seen a lot in that amount of years. Vehicle models have changed, technology (the bane of her existence) has grown by leaps and bounds, and co-workers have come and gone. She started here in 1985 as an officer. She was promoted to Corporal in 1989. In 1994 she became a Sergeant and in 2003 was promoted to Lieutenant. One might think that her proudest achievement would be her highest ranking, but that’s not the case. Lt. Luke is most proud of her time worked as an officer – out on the street, helping and making a difference in the lives of people.
I’ve only really known Lt. Luke for a relatively short time in the span of her career; however, learning that she considers her work as an officer to be her greatest achievement didn’t come as a surprise to me. She has a heart for people like few I’ve ever encountered. That’s what I’ll remember most about her; she genuinely cares.
I don’t know how people measure a successful career. I imagine it’s different for each and every person who looks at retiring and the life-change that brings. In the case of Lt. Tracy Luke, measuring the impact she’s had in the lives of people in our community cannot be quantified. It’s a lifetime of service and dedication to keeping others out of harm’s way. I don’t know that one could ask for a better retirement gift; to know that you’ve made a difference and had an impact. I, for one, am glad to know her.
Submitted by: Jenna Scadden – Administrative Assistant




















