Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin has announced the retirement of long-serving law enforcement officer Gerald P. Procanyn, who retired from his position as a Lehigh County detective effective May 17.

Procanyn has served in that capacity since April 28, 2003. While employed in the district attorney’s office, Procanyn primarily worked as an investigator for cases brought before the grand jury.

Prior to working for Lehigh County, Procanyn was employed by the Whitehall Township Police Department. He began his service there Jan. 1, 1960, and served for more than 42 years. He was promoted to detective in 1973. From 1984 to 2003, he was supervisor of detectives.

Procanyn received his law enforcement training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. He was also a trained polygraph examiner, having studied at the Baxter School of Polygraph in San Diego.

“Gerry Procanyn has devoted his life to law enforcement. Fifty-nine years is an extraordinary tenure in this field - or any field. His experience, memory and ability have been great assets to my office over the past 16 years. While we shall certainly miss him, my staff and I wish Gerry all the best for a long, healthy and happy retirement,” Martin said.