Police Chief Linda Kulp, who rose through the ranks as a Whitehall Township police patrol officer to the township’s first female police chief, capped her 32-year township career March 31 with a retirement ceremony hosted by her colleagues.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., who appointed Kulp as chief of police in February 2011, presented Kulp with a special citation for her exemplary service to the residents, whom she said were a priority during her three decades in law enforcement.

At the informal program held at the police station and attended by a large number of police officers, each person credited Kulp with his or her career choice and role in providing the citizens with the highest ideals in law enforcement.

“When you’re here this long, you’re family. We’ve grown together,” Kulp said in remarks to the officers.

“Stay to basics. Don’t forget why you’re a police officer,” Kulp added, noting “fair and just” are more than just words in serving the public.

Lt. Michael J. Marks, who heads the investigative unit of detectives, was named by Hozza as acting police chief.

In his tribute to Kulp, Marks said 37 years ago, when Kulp began her police career as a police dispatcher, the world was a different place: In July 1979, Jimmy Carter was president. Gas was 86 cents a gallon. The Happy Meal was created. Iranians took 90 people hostage at the Embassy in Tehran. Soviets invaded Afghanistan. And ESPN first aired.

Hired in 1984 as a police officer, Kulp subsequently attained the ranks of corporal, lieutenant of detectives, lieutenant of administration, acting police chief and then chief of police.

Kulp is credited with building the police department’s first computer network, instrumental in the record management systems, video security projects and policy development.

“[The township police] are among the finest law enforcement professionals in the nation, and your leadership, along with what you accomplished, will reside in their hearts and minds throughout the remainder of their careers,” Marks told Kulp.