Ferris is one of small group of Seattle cops who choose to stay on the beat long after they could have retired with a full pension, said Mike Germann of the Seattle Police Pension Office.

Ferris, who stands 6-foot-3, weighs 185 pounds and has been a cop for more than 40 years, says he can't imagine what he would do if he retired, The Seattle Times reported Monday.

Ferris, who said he can't remember a single time he ever drew his gun, has never been awarded medals for outstanding action, but has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of people, the Times reported.

For many in the Ballard District of Seattle, Ferris is an "icon," said Police Capt. Mike Washburn, who called Ferris a "stellar example" of patience, calm and caring.