October 2002 Volume 83 Number 10
"serving the protectors"
| October 2002 Volume 83 Number 10 "serving the protectors" |
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Members of different emergency-service bodies often operate in conjunction with one another, and certainly work toward the same goal of community protection.
But any SA emergency-service operative would recoil at the suggestion that his or her organization is essentially the same as all the others. Indeed, police, fire and ambulance services perform vastly different roles; and each enjoys its own distinct culture.
But this, of course, does not suggest that our emergency-service organizations do not also bear great cultural similarities. In fact, each is known for its strong family philosophy, and the way in which its members are welcomed with open arms by their counterparts across the globe.
In the spirit of that brotherhood, members of South Australia’s emergency-service organizations have combined to stage an Olympic Games-style event next month. Known as the South Australia Police and Emergency Services (SAPES) Games, it will run from November 8 to 17.
The stated aims of the Games are to “promote a healthy lifestyle and…foster teamwork and co-operation among competitors and agencies”.
So this event will not be one in which only emergency-service members can gain. The benefits to the wider community are also undeniable. It stands to gain not only from the example of good living, but also the degree by which the bonds that link the organizations are strengthened.
And, from the rigours of police, fire and ambulance work, the Games will provide a short but welcome respite for members.
The Games will involve 23 emergency-service organizations and offer 30 sports in which to compete. After 2002, organizers might hold the event biennially.
For the benefit of many, the Police Journal encourages strong support of these inaugural Games.
Police Federation of England & Wales chairman, Fred Broughton, retired from office last month. A long-time friend to Police Association of SA members, Mr Broughton last visited South Australia in October 1999, when he delivered an incisive speech on the state of British policing.
A London police officer since 1966, he was elected chairman in 1993 and has, in office, represented 129,000 members. He has retired as the federation’s longest-serving chairman and remains vice-patron of Britain’s Missing Persons Helpline.
One of the world’s great servants of the police labour movement, Mr Broughton has earned great respect and every accolade. The Police Journal wishes him well in retirement.
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