Jeff Bell is happy with his career change. 81566 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
LAST year, veteran educator Jeff Bell made the life changing decision to give up his post as principal of Laverton P-12 College and join Victoria Police.
After 33 gruelling weeks at the Academy, Jeff has graduated and last week at age 55 became the latest Constable to join the team at Keilor Downs Police Station.
Constable Bell told Star he couldn’t be happier with his decision to change careers.
“I’m very happy with my career move, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
Back in 1974, Const Bell said he wanted to join the Police Force but strict height restrictions prevented him from being considered.
Prior to joining the force, he was principal of Altona Meadows Primary School for six years and Laverton P-12 College for four years after that.
As much as he enjoyed his time at the Academy Const Bell admitted he was glad it was over.
“It’s fairly demanding… there’s a lot of study involved,” he said.
“People think because you’re a principal you’re highly intelligent, that’s not necessarily the case,” he joked.
“There’s a lot of new learning.”
The Hobsons Bay resident said he couldn’t be happier about being posted at Keilor Downs.
“There’s a great camaraderie here,” he said, “and great mentors.”
For now Const Bell is just enjoying many of the ‘firsts’ his new career has to offer, like his first divy van shift, last week.
“That was a bit of a buzz.”
He said he would encourage others, regardless of their age, to consider the career change.
“It’s very rewarding.”
