More than 100 people visited the memorial to the world’s oldest peace officer in Cleburne.

CLEBURN, Texas. Bill Hardin refused to retire, but at 99 he finally got a chance to rest.

More than 100 people from across North Texas traveled to Cleburne Saturday to pay tribute to Hardin, the world’s oldest law enforcement officer.

On a gloomy, overcast Saturday, Hardin was not to grieve, but to celebrate.

“We are not here today to mourn,” said Dr. David Hampton, Hardin’s pastor. “We’re here to honor the memory of Bill Hardin.”

Hardin passed away last week, becoming the oldest and oldest law enforcement officer in the world after 76 years of service.

His calling began in February 1947 in Fort Worth at the age of 22.

“Bill joined the Fort Worth Police Department, where he helped create the Texas Narcotics Officers Association,” said Hardin’s grandson Matt Bohon.

Hardin never missed a day of work when he moved to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s office years later.

“Dad actually took time off to attend the Fort Worth Police Department’s retirement party,” Bohon said.

The WFAA spoke to Hardin 6 years ago about his refusal to retire and how he already claims the Guinness World Record for oldest law enforcement officer.

“I’m afraid to stop. I’m afraid I won’t be able to start again,” he said at the time. “I don’t fish. I don’t want to. Do not drink. Do not smoke”.

Hardin has reportedly handled everything from traffic control to murder and drug investigations to guarding the grave of Lee Harvey Oswald. As a reserve MP for Johnson County, he also went unpaid for 28 years. He just couldn’t stop working.

On Saturday, state and district leaders shared the praise. The grandchildren shared their stories.

“Your love for your family was unsurpassed,” Bohon said. “You never miss a family reunion, no matter the location.”

There was no mourning for Bill Hardin on Saturday, only remembrance and reverence.

“I think there is always a moment of sadness when we lose a loved one,” Hampton said. “But the sadness of a Christian is always mixed with joy.”

In a Facebook post following his passing, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office wrote: “Calm down, Bill. We’ll take guard from here.