Before he ever hit the streets in a black and white car, Chief Randy Boehm of the Columbia Police Department knew he wanted a career in public service.

"In high school when I started to think about am I going to go to college, and if so, what do I want to study, criminal justice just sort of automatically came to my mind," said Boehm.

So, after the black and white of college tuition bills, he hit the ground running. It was a career that led to Columbia's first S.W.A.T. Team, and then to an 8-year stint as Chief of Police.

"I thank my wife for being there. When I've seemed calm during an event, it was probably because I ranted and raved to her prior to coming back to work," said Chief Boehm.

His career is also marked by controversy and tragedy. A suspect in a routine traffic stop shot and killed Columbia officer Molly Bowden, and a jury convicted Columbia Police Officer Steven Rios of murdering a University of Missouri student. The NAACP called for more oversight of the department.

"I'm sure if I thought about it long enough, there are things that I would do differently, but overall, I don't have any significant regrets. I'm proud of this organization and I'm proud of my career," Boehm said.

In stark contrast to the unyielding black and white of Boehm's critics, one woman at his retirement surely sees everything in living color. One of Chief Boehm's biggest marks on Mid-Missouri is the fundraising effort he led for many years. The department has donated more than $200,000 to Missouri Special Olympics, and even though that reception was this afternoon, Boehm's official last day is Tuesday.