We often take for granted our law enforcers who are a pillar of strength at a time when the community needs them the most. Every day they experience heartache, trauma, violence and despair, but do we realise the impact that this has on an officer during their career and once they retire?
In the year that the NSW Police Force is celebrating 150 years of policing, former Police Officers across NSW were acknowledged for their tireless and diligent commitment during their service, last Thursday, on the inaugural Retired Police Day.
The New England Local Area Command hosted a ceremony at the Armidale City Bowling Club to present retired officers living within the local area with medals acknowledging their work.
Forty retired officers and their families gathered for the ceremony and later visited the Armidale Police Station for a tour and lunch.
Commander of the New England Local Area Command Bruce Lyons paid tribute to the contributions that former officers made, that paved the way and laid a platform for today’s police.
“This is a special day where we are recognising our retired police officers and the contribution they have given to the community and to the police family over many years,” said Commander Lyons.
“We have had a tremendous roll-up of veteran retired officers here in Armidale, which is really wonderful.
“Today is important, as are they very much important because they have left behind a lot of wisdom for young police to follow.
“I am sure that each one of them, through their career, had some difficult times that they have had to endure, and that endurance stays with policing today, so we have much to be thankful for, with the juniors that they took under their wings as police officers.”
