A man's promise to his dying father is costing the Watertown Police Department one of its top line officers.

Lt. Christopher S. Damon will mark his 20th anniversary as a city cop Aug. 8 by retiring. He will retire with fellow officers Robert J. Newark, Kevin J. Froedtert and Gary R. Egeberg, all who joined the force with Mr. Damon. Two others, Thomas S. Strejlau and Richard C. Premo, wrapped up their careers this month. Intending to depart in November is another 20-year veteran, Michelle Towles Reff.

"I still love the job," Lt. Damon, 44, said Friday. "I'm not burned out, and I could do it another 20 years. And to someday become chief, yes, it was on my radar."

He said he discussed that very issue with his father, Ronald D. Damon, shortly before the former city fire chief's death a year ago.

"My main reasons for going are to spend time with my family and in the business that my father founded in 1968, Damon Tax Service. The business has grown to the point that I'm needed there, and I promised my father and my partners — my brother John and my sister, Trina Narrow — that I'd retire and be there."

The decision, he said, was very difficult, "one that I have been reviewing since the day I made it."

He and his wife, the former Dawn O'Driscoll, live in the town of Brownville, and have two sons, Matthew, 17, and David, 13.

His service with the department has included field training officer, firearms instructor, investigator in the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force for about five years, and he was one of the creators of the department's tactical entry team in 1999. He was promoted to sergeant in 2001, becoming detective sergeant a year later, taking charge of the detective division for four years.

He was elevated to lieutenant in 2006, and was given command of the uniform patrol's 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift.

With his departure, sources say three sergeants in the running for promotion to lieutenant are Charles F. Donoghue, Michael J. Mullens Jr. and Richard C. Wood.

Detective Thomas Strejlau, most recently assigned to the drug task force, was the first of this year's group of retirees to leave. His last day on the job was July 3. He continues in law enforcement as a Cape Vincent police officer.

Officer Premo's last day on the job was Thursday. He was among officers who were honored in April at the annual Law and Order Night banquet of Army & Navy American Legion Post 61, cited for talking a man out of jumping into the Black River.

The other four officers have filed for retirement, but still have time to change their minds.

Officer Newark has been a K-9 officer for the department since 1990, starting with his dog Thor. His second dog, Duka, is 9 years old, and will accompany him into retirement.

Officer Egeberg was honored by the city in 1993 for his successful effort in physically stopping a would-be jumper on the Mill Street Bridge.

Officer Froedtert was among members of the department's "community policing" effort.

Officer Reff, wife of Sgt. Joseph C. Reff, has been the department's DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer.

Seven new officers are on duty as replacements for the retirees. They are Christopher Aher, Charles L. Bickel III, Jacob W. Bull, George A. Cummings, Joseph A. Giaquinto, Gregory P. Gibbs and Elizabeth M. Lewis.