LARGO, Fla. — The Largo Police Department is thanking and honoring two of their team members, both in their 90s, who have been working hard throughout the pandemic.  

Jack Shaffer and John Stewart are VIPs or "volunteers in policing" at the Largo Police Department.

At 96 years old, Shaffer said he’s worked for as long as he can remember — first in the Marine Corps, then as a dentist and orthodontist, and now a VIP helping out in the records department.

Stewart will be 91 this year and has worked since he was a teen. 

“My first job, I was 13 years old, and I made 15 cents an hour and I was proud of it,” said Stewart.

Stewart is a volunteer crossing guard in Largo. He helps make sure students get to school safely each day. He was a fighter pilot in the Korean War and says the leisurely, retired life just isn’t for him.

“I just like meeting good people. I have to give something back to the community.  I have a stupid sense of responsibility but that's what I do,” said Stewart.

Both of the volunteers said that sense of responsibility is what keeps them going, and retirement just isn’t an option.

“My dad and granddad lasted till 97, so I’d like to beat their record, so I guess that's when I’ll retire,” said Shaffer.