Tonight, as he was presented his service weapon and badge, he vowed to make a return.

“All my life I wanted to be a police officer,” he told city council following the presentation by Chief Thomas Hathaway. “I was the canine officer for 11 years. I want to thank council for the opportunity to serve the city and walk the thin, fine blue line. I'm coming back one day. I hope the city will hire me back when I'm able to come back.”

Hathaway, who had to work his way back after a 1995 injury, was visibly moved as he made the presentation to Woodruff. “It pains me greatly to retire Mr. Woodruff,” he said.

The chief said following the meeting it is a hard and often lonely road for an officer in Woodruff's situation. “He's trying everything he can,” to come back. “I've been in his shoes; to go from being one of our guardian angels to sitting on sidelines. It's a calling. This is a fraternity. Once that is taken away, life goes on and it seems you are by yourself.”

In another police-related matter this evening, Hathaway introduced two new police officers — Josh Langley and Ryan Cross.

In other matters this evening council:

• Approved an ordinance change that would allow beekeeping within the city limits. It also a set a $5 per hive fee.

• Changed its first meeting of the month to May 5 instead of May 6 to accommodate the May primary. The meeting will be held in the first floor conference room of city hall.

• Agreed to temporarily close Jarman and Seventh streets between Roanoke Avenue and Jackson streets for the May 30 Roanoke Rapids Shag and Seafood Festival that will held by the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance at Centennial Park. The streets will be closed from 4 p.m. to midnight. The festival itself will be between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.