“The Alameda Sun would like to congratulate Mr. Colburn on his recent retirement and his years of selfless dedication to the safety of our community and thank you for his friendship to our paper and work on this column. I’d personally like to say I’m sorry we never got to go for that ride-along, but after almost 20 years of living here, I feel for some reason like I’ve gotten to know this town better just by sitting at my desk and working with you every week. It’s been an honor, sir. Best wishes.”