Willis had spent his entire career at MSU police, serving as a patrol officer, firearms instructor, the Freedom of Information Act Officer and a driving instructor at the Michigan Police Academy. 

He said he got into policing because he wanted to help people.

"You hear it all the time, make a difference and help people out... I'm not into chasing down bad guys, that kind of stuff, but it is part of police work," Willis said. "I'm more here for the helpful atmosphere." 

He said he had no complaints about his time with the department, remembering to put things in perspective.

"I always tell myself a bad Tony Willis day is a great day for somebody else," he said. 

Willis is moving to Pheonix, Az, where he said he wanted to do some sort of police-like work, whether it be security or something similar, although he said he did not want to go back directly into police work.

Some of his more memorable moments had to deal with Cedar Village, which he said used to have a more infamous reputation than even the more intense gatherings last spring.

"MSU is a family atmosphere, and I've always liked the family atmosphere you get with MSU," he said. 

Willis said the advance in technology has been the biggest change in police work in the last 28 years.

"From computers, different radio frequencies, cameras, videos in the cars, the whole nine yards," Willis said. "That's changed the most in police work work. 

During his party an announcement was played over the speakers thanking him for his service, especially his service at 203 home football games.

"It's time to enjoy your weekend," it said.