Lowell Mawhiney's home was burglarized. Multiple items were taken, including the urn.
His wife, Ruth, was an emergency dispatcher.
Detectives were able to find the suspect and return the urn to the retired sergeant, along with other items.
To show appreciation, Lowell and family members delivered a handwritten "thank you" note to Sheriff Mike Boudreaux.
"This case is not only a credit to these deputies, but to the entire Tulare County Sheriff's Office," Lowell said.