Albany Police Capt. Charlie Poole, pictured getting a congratulatory handshake from Mayor Willie Adams during a reception Friday at the Law Enforcement Center, is retiring today after nearly 29 years on the job. Poole was hired at age 24 and has served as captain for 17 years. “It’s a lonely job; it’s a thankless job,” Poole said during the reception. “Through the years, I spent a lot of time away from my family. That’s one of the things I want to do, too. I want to reconnect with my family.” (PHOTO BY PHYLLIS BANKS)