After more than 30 years as an Edgartown police officer, Sgt. Thomas Smith signed off Friday afternoon to applause and appreciation from his colleagues and family.

About 30 people gathered outside the Edgartown station, some in police and paramedic uniforms, others in street clothes on their off-day, to say goodbye. Mr. Smith arrived in his Edgartown police SUV and broadcast his last radio call as a full-time officer.

He stepped out of the car to hug his fellow officers as Edgartown police chief Bruce McNamee played the Caisson Song on the bagpipes in honor of Mr. Smith’s military service as an army reserve officer.

Mr. Smith, an Edgartown native, began working at the department as a special officer in 1984 and was hired full time in the department in 1988, two weeks before he graduated from college. One of his graduation gifts from his mother was a bulletproof vest.

He said police work has evolved significantly in the last 30 years.

“Technology helps us, but really there’s a whole other realm of crime that goes on,” he said.

Chief McNamee said the department will miss Mr. Smith’s extensive experience. “He truly loves Edgartown. He has sincere love and pride to be a resident of this town and to serve it,” he said.

After a flurry of social media tributes, rituals, remembrances and celebrations, Mr. Smith is taking some time for himself. Kind of. He plans to spend the summer as a part-time officer in the town he loves.

“I appreciate the sentiment and the turnout,” he said.