"This will be the first time since 1948 that a member of the Marks family has not been part of the Westport Police force," said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff.

While there are numerous cases of sons following in their fathers' footsteps by becoming Westport police officers, Marks followed in the footsteps of both of his parents.

His father, George Marks Sr., retired as a detective lieutenant in 1974, and his mother, Irene, who passed away two years ago, was a special officer and a matron (assisting with female prisoners) for more than 30 years. Police work is definitely a Marks family affair. Marks Jr.'s uncle also was a Westport police officer.

"I grew up in and around the Police Department. It's always been a part of my life," said Marks. That being said, retirement may take some getting used to. If it were up to Marks, he wouldn't have called it quits. However, a knee injury on the job last year and a subsequent knee replacement, forced him to face retirement.

"I was told that because of the disability in my leg I could not perform all of the duties I might be called to perform," said Marks, adding, "This job is a job where you never know when you're going to have to pursue someone on foot or wind up in a physical altercation. These things are possible at any time."

Were it not for the knee injury, Marks, in his early 60s, would have no problem chasing down someone half his age, as he stays in great shape. A former long distance runner, he completed several New York City marathons. One would be safe in making a bet Marks could still comfortably fit into his rookie uniform. Marks Jr. looks great for his age just like his father does for being in his mid-80s. No longer able to run, Marks has turned to weightlifting and cycling to remain fit.

Asked if staying trim and looking good is a genetic thing, Marks Jr. said: "I certainly hope so. I want my dad's longevity gene."

Marks Sr. said there is another thing he and his son have in common, besides both having been officers of the law.

"He and I look exactly alike," he said. In fact, one sometimes gets mistaken for the other. Although Marks Sr. has been retired from the department for 30-plus years, he and his son have remained close. They regularly watch football games and baseball games together and often go out for breakfast.

While father and son share some similarities, such is not the case when it comes to their favorite football teams. Marks Sr. is a Miami Dolphins fan, while Marks Jr. is a devoted New York Jets fan.

"That's a big rivalry," said Marks Jr.

Asked to recall his proudest moment on the police force, he said he's proud of everything he did, however, if there is anything he is most proud of, it was the chance that he had to serve at the same time as his father, mother and uncle.

"That is something you won't find very often no matter where you go," said Marks.

When the Marks family had Marks Jr., Marks Sr. and Irene all on the force together, Marks, Sr. jokingly told the Westport News he was the head of household because "I had rank on them."

Although Marks followed in his family's footsteps, he noted that his father never tried to push him in that direction.

"He let us follow the direction we wanted to follow but I think at the same time he was proud of the fact I became a police officer," said Marks. It wasn't until Marks became a police officer that he developed a deeper appreciation for what his father did "during all of my growing up years."

"There certainly was a lot I was not aware of growing up," he added.

Marks Sr. joined the Westport Police Department in 1948 and Marks Jr.'s retirement took effect earlier this month. The Marks family's tenure with the Westport Police Department will apparently not extend beyond its 58-year history.

Marks Jr. and his wife Jackie have three daughters ages 31, 28 and 20 and none are, or plan to become Westport Police officers. The youngest, Ashley, will be a junior at Midway College (near Lexington, Ky.) in the fall and she's majoring in equestrian studies.

However, just as Marks Jr. was perhaps influenced by his parents, Ashley, it seems, was influenced by her parents. Marks Jr.and his wife did a lot of horseback riding while Ashley was growing up and Marks Jr. currently serves as the executive officer of the Second Company Governor's Horse Guard.

"I had the honor of riding in two presidential inaugural parades in the horse guard," said Marks, who has not ridden any horses since injuring his knee. However, he has recently been cleared to begin riding again and "give it a try."

Marks, who joined the Police Department after six years in the Navy, is not yet sure how he'll stay busy in retirement but at some point down the line, he and his wife plan on having their own "little piece of horse property out of state." As for more current plans, Marks hasn't given it much thought.

"I'm still in the healing process," he said.

After some prodding about how he'll spend his newfound free time, Marks said he might take some college courses.

"I want to keep my brain active," he said, adding that if he finds a subject that really piques his interest, a degree is not out of the question.

Marks, who worked under five different police chiefs, joined the Police Department in September 1971 and spent his last few years as a patrol sergeant after 17 years in the records division. He began his career as a patrol officer, subsequently became a desk officer and then had a one-year assignment in the detective bureau before settling into the records division. Not having the police department as a part of his life will take some getting used to for Marks.

"I spent more than half of my life going there every day so that change is very noticeable," he said.

He added that he's going to miss the people that he worked with as well as meeting people around town.

"I always enjoyed meeting people and talking to people," said Marks.