NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — Do you ever wonder how you would spend 99 years? Just ask Frank Gaughan.
“I got up this morning and I felt the same way. I’m just an ordinary guy,” Gaughan said, “I don’t understand a lot of things, but I appreciate it.”
Gaughan spent more than half of his life with a decorated career in law enforcement.
He worked for the Cleveland Police Department for 31 years, followed by a 19-year stint at the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office.
“I spent seven years in uniform,” Gaughan said, “Then 24 years in the Narcotics Unit and then I went to work for the Sheriff. The greatest guy in the world.”
Gaughan spent his 99th birthday reminiscing on the front porch with his fellow brothers in blue.
“I never even imagined,” Gaughan said, “And all of the neighbors, they’re gonna wonder what the hell is going on.”
Some of them were just rookies when they met the man who would ultimately help shape their careers, including Cuyahoga County Sheriff David Schilling.
“You know, I think you [Gaughan] were one of the guys that interviewed me when I started on the job in ’94,” Schilling said.
Officer Jim Carbone of the North Olmsted Police Department has continued his relationship with Gaughan by delivering him daily meals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“And to be able to carry that relationship on for over 25 years,” Carbone said, “What better way to really better celebrate with him and have multiple departments and officers celebrate 99 years of life. It’s amazing.”
Gaughan is a man who’s earned many titles: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and ultimately, friend.
“This was a terrific surprise,” Gaughan said, “A wonderful surprise.”
He considers his 99 years, thus far, time well spent.
“And when you hit 100 we’re bringing a case of beer for ya, how’s that?” Carbone said.
Gaughan obliged without hesitation.
“Yes, Frank hasn’t changed a bit,” Sheriff Schilling said.
