The New England Local Area Command (NELAC) has had a significant boost to its numbers with 16 new Constables fresh out of the academy commencing duties on Monday December 19.
Ten Constables will be based in Armidale with the remaining six in Inverell. Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay along with Armidale Dumaresq Mayor Peter Ducat officially welcomed the new recruits to the region. NELAC Commander Bruce Lyons spent the morning with his new officers before they experienced their first day on the job.
“16 new police officers to the region is fantastic news,” said Commander Bruce Lyons.
“We will look after them, they are going to have a really good time.
“Most of them are from the city and I know that country communities will open up their arms and show them what country spirit is all about.
“We will teach them over the next 12 months, they will be well cared for and do tremendous work for our community.”
Having completed their training and graduation from the Police Academy the new recruits will be straight into the job.
“They will be involved in front line policing and paired up with buddies, experienced officers who will show them the ropes,” said Commander Bruce Lyons.
“They are well aware of what is in store for them, they will be facing everything that policing has.
“Sadness, grief, good times, hard times, arresting people, they will be seeing everything.”
New recruit, 23-year-old Juan Frijas who hails from Fairfield in Sydney was surprised with his placement in Armidale and initially had to think twice about where Armidale actually was. Now, having spent a few days in Armidale, any concerns he had about beginning his policing career in the country have eased.
“It is an exciting day for me, like anyone starting a new job,” said Constable Frijas.
“To be honest I had no idea where Armidale was, it was a shock to me.
“I actually looked it up on Goggle Maps and it was six hours away from where I was.
“When I told my family about it, it was a shock, but the way I see it policing is policing everywhere, we are needed here, and I will do the job here.
“My wife and my child have moved up to Armidale with me and we have found it to be a pretty friendly town.
“This is the first time I have experienced people coming up to me in the street and talking to you openly, that wouldn’t happen in Fairfield.
“There is a lovely atmosphere in the town and I think it will be a benefit for me and my family to live here.”
Story: Jo Harrison
