Woman Records Her Dad’s Final Call as a Police Officer (Exclusive)

• Keisha Huff has always admired her dad, Greg Fugitt, not only for being an amazing father but also for his dedication to serving the public
• Fugitt, 58, began his career in 1980 as a firefighter and emergency medical services worker before eventually becoming a police officer in 1996, when Huff was 7
• After decades of service, about a year ago, Fugitt told his daughter and family that he was planning to retire
• On his final day, his family was on hand for his last call

Keisha Huff has always admired her dad, Greg Fugitt, not only for being an amazing father but also for his dedication to serving the public. Fugitt, 58, began his career in 1980 as a firefighter and emergency medical services worker before eventually becoming a police officer in eastern Kentucky in 1996, when Huff was 7.

Growing up in Kentucky, Huff has many fond memories of her dad during his time in law enforcement. Some of her favorites include arriving at school dances and proms in a police car, with her dates sitting in the backseat.

“It was always a fun time,” Huff, now 36, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Some other memories include watching him serve our community. He helps run the Toys for Tots program here in town, which gives toys to kids in need at Christmas. He’s not only been our town’s chief, but also our town’s Santa many times. He’s known to dress up and visit nursing homes, parades, kids and more in his Santa gear.”

“For many years, it was just me and him,” she adds. “He has always been my real-life superhero. I admire him for so much, but what sticks out most is that he raised me on his own for almost all of my childhood. He did it with low-paying wages also, but yet I never wanted for anything. He made sure above all that I was taken care of.”

After years of service, about a year ago, Fugitt told his daughter and family that he was planning to retire. Recently, when Huff realized his retirement date was approaching, she felt a sense of sadness. “It’s a life I’ve known for many years,” she says. “I’ve always been known as a ‘police kid.’ It felt like saying goodbye to part of my identity. However, he absolutely deserves it and has worked so hard. We are all here to support him.”

Leading up to her dad’s final day, Huff says she felt a mix of emotions. Right before his last call, Huff adds how she and Fugitt had picked up her daughter one last time from school in grandpa’s squad car. Then they headed to the police department for his last call, which was with his wife.

“After 29 years of wearing this badge with pride, and 14 years as your chief, the time has come to hang it up,” he begins. “It has been an honor to serve this community.” He continues by thanking his colleagues, the community and his loved ones, adding that this job is “more than a career, it’s a calling.”

From the start, Huff says her dad knew he wanted his wife to be the one to give him his final call. “It was a really special moment for them,” Huff says.

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At the time of the call, Huff captured the moment on camera. Since her youngest child is only 8 months old, she knew he wouldn’t remember his grandpa as a police officer, like her daughter has, and she wanted to have these memories for him. 

Later, she decided to post the video on TikTok, where it went viral, amassing nearly 11 million views and 26,000 comments. Huff adds how when she told her dad about the video, he couldn’t believe it.

“It was crazy,” Huff tells PEOPLE. “My notifications would refresh with new ones within seconds. I joked with Dad that maybe we would get enough views for me to send him on a well-deserved vacation.”

“Most of the comments were so supportive and heartfelt,” she continues. “It reminded me just how respected our officers are. Everyone was very sweet.”

Huff says the family plans to host a retirement party to celebrate her dad and his lifelong career in the coming weeks.

“There are still a lot of people who hate and fear the police,” she says. “I hope it shows that police also are just moms, dads, husbands and everyday people with a family at home. It gave a bit of insight on his personality outside of the uniform.”