Dear Andy
I have reached another milestone - and that is to retire whilst
my health is such that I can enjoy the fruits of my employment over
the last 38 years. My last day before retirement was July 7, 2004,
and I ask that you accept my resignation from the Police Association.
On this occasion, and through the medium of the Police Journal,
I thank all the members of the department, sworn and unsworn, for
their tremendous support during my career. I have spent the majority
of my working life in criminal investigations and the biggest part
of that involved fighting drug and organized crime.
When thinking back, it’s remarkable that I don’t recall many bad
times. It is only the great times, the fun times and sharing the delight
of putting some big crooks behind steel doors.
I have had the pleasure to work with many extremely professional
people from all fields whilst in the CIB, the three drug investigation
units, and my two postings at the Australian Crime Commission (formerly
the NCA) as the leader of the Viking Joint Task Force.
There are too many workmates to mention by name and to thank individually.
There are many stories to remember and to be told at the right time
and place (and this is not one of them).
I leave you with the thought that I have advocated most of my life
and was retold to me at a recent farewell function: “The most wasted
day of all is one in which we have not laughed.”
Tim Amos
Drug and Organized Crime Investigation Branch
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association of South
Australia effective July 16, 2004. I have retired from SAPOL effective
the above date and wish everyone within the organization good health
in the future. I also thank all the people at Workers Rehabilitation
Section for their assistance over the years.
Regards
Bill Chatterton
Senior Constable 2976/4
Dear Andy
I have resigned from SAPOL as of July 16, 2004. I also wish to resign
from being a member of the Police Association as of July 16, 2004.
Regards
NBS Murray
8053/8
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association as from
July 18, 2004. I have taken retirement from SAPOL at this time, completing
37 years in the job.
Our personal circumstances changed dramatically some months ago when
my wife accepted a contract as the head of boarding at Scotch Oakburn
College in Launceston. This meant I would need to commute during combined
days off and holidays. Adequate, but expensive. I made the decision
to join and have been accepted into the Tasmania Police, so I now
start a new/old career with them.
Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to all those people I have worked,
trained and played with over the years. I find it very hard to conjure
up negative thoughts through any part of my career. I have had such
an enjoyable and rewarding time wherever I have been posted or attached
and hope I have left something positive in each area.
Please accept my offer to the association and members if you ever
want to discuss issues in regard to interstate transfers or work conditions
in this area, as seen through my eyes.
Good luck for the future planning of the association. I know you
have a highly skilled and capable executive and a very supportive
membership. Your achievements for all the members will only be limited
by your imagination and everyone’s determination.
Yours sincerely
David Coats
David.coats@police.tas.gov.au
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association, effective
Tuesday July 20, 2004.
Yours sincerely
Harley Ewing
4999/5
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association effective
July 21, 2004, due to retirement from SAPOL. All the best to you and
your fellow members in the future.
Regards
Greg Symonds
Mount Barker CJS
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association of South
Australia effective July 21, 2004 due to my retirement from SAPOL.
Regards
Peter Elfenbein
Senior Constable 3500/2
Fleet Operations
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association of SA with
effect from July 21, 2004, my last day of active service with SAPOL.
It has been a wonderful ride from day one, commencing with Course
99 on September 29, 1964, at the police barracks. Hell, we were raw.
I am grateful for the guidance early in my career from the sergeants,
inspectors and indeed one deputy commissioner. I am sorry to say that
I have not caught up with many of these retired members for a long
time due to my years spent in the bush and, sadly, quite a few have
passed on. Over the following years I enjoyed meeting and working
with many members at the various locations that I was assigned to.
Because of my country postings I have been lucky to have known members
from the many sections within SAPOL who have been of great assistance
and support during those years.
I was more than thankful for the assistance from the association
during these early periods of my career and especially grateful for
its support over the last 10 years. I thank the staff of the Rehabilitation
Section for their assistance and co-operation during the last years.
Good luck to you and the association in the future and indeed to
all SAPOL members.
This ride has finished and a new one is about to begin.
Regards and best wishes
Peter W Tulk
Senior Constable 1615/3
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association as from
July 23, 2004, my last day of service prior to retirement.
I appreciate the excellent representation the association provided
over the 43 years I served with SAPOL.
Best wishes, good health and good luck to all with whom I served.
Bob Tiller
Sergeant, 614/7
Holden Hill Police Station
To Andy
I wish to resign from the Police Association of South Australia
due to my resignation from SAPOL, my last day of service being July
28, 2004.
I wish all members the very best of luck in their journey within
SAPOL. I also acknowledge and thank all the wonderful people I have
worked with over the last 14 years. They know who they are.
Jennifer McDermott
Constable 1804/1
Sex Crimes Investigation Branch
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association as my last
day of service with SAPOL is July 28, 2004.
For years now I have told myself that being a cop is just a job,
however, as my final day approaches I realize what garbage that is.
It is not just a job, it is the job, and I have had the privilege
of being a copper for the last 17 years.
I have lost track of the amount of times I stood back in awe as I
watched fellow coppers handle situations when they were confronted
with incredible levels of violence or grief, and I observed them handle
those situations with their brains, mouth and the odd bit of physical
presence. Coppers seem to be able to find enormous amounts of compassion
when dealing with victims and their families in times of crisis.
These are situations that no other person in their right mind would
become involved in but are regularly handled by SAPOL members because
that’s what we do. I am proud to have been amongst you. I sincerely
wish all SAPOL members all the best in the future.
I am resigning to work full-time on my vineyard near the metropolis
of Mannum. Allegedly there is a wine grape glut at the moment. I will
be doing all I can to alleviate the situation and would appreciate
all SAPOL members getting off their butts and helping me to drink
our way through any wine surplus.
Good luck and thanks to everyone I have worked with and who helped
me through the years.
Mick Heward
Mannum
Dear Andy
It is with much pleasure that I advise you of my retirement from
SAPOL with effect from July 29. It is with regret that I can not remain
a member of PASA but I will certainly join the Retired Police Officers
Association.
I encourage you to continue the excellent work of PASA and wish
you all the best in protecting the rights of members. Unfortunately,
members make the system work which has the result of inhibiting the
need for management and government to provide appropriate equipment
and staffing levels.
To me, the nature of SAPOL changed when our cap badge was replaced
with the all-of-government style.
Over the years, I have seen considerable change, some of which improved
our lot but much had little impact on front-line policing.
Although police officers have great ability to do most things, we
should not forget that we can’t do everything and need to employ experts
in some areas. One area of note is the gigantic steps we have taken
since the establishment of Information Systems & Technology Services.
In the good old days, coppers with their Commodore 64 knowledge would
be trying to develop programmes to support perceived needs.
All the best
Daryl Anderson
Dear Andy
I wish to cancel my Police Association membership as my final shift
with SAPOL will be on August 2, 2004. I have been in the job a good
four-and-a-half years and have worked with the most amazing people
I’ve ever met. I’ve made many life-long friends and have pretty much
laughed my way through.
I’m off to join the Northern Territory Police and expect many visitors
to help me fish, swim and fry in the sun. Thank you to all I’ve worked
and played with and please keep your personalities as sometimes that’s
all we have. Come for a visit and keep in touch via e-mail. Good luck
to all my favourite skanks. Said with love.
Anna McPherson
Team 4 Adelaide Patrols
4660/0
Dear Andy
I put forward my resignation from the Police Association of SA, my
last effective day with SAPOL being August 9, 2004.
Good luck to my mates on Course 58 at the academy - I sincerely hope
to join you on the road in a couple of years’ time once I’ve pursued
a couple of great opportunities that have recently come my way. Stay
safe and take care.
Many thanks
Ash Wright
7145/5
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association effective
from August 11, 2004, which is my last day with SAPOL.
I thank all those people with whom I have worked within SAPOL during
my seven-and-a-bit years in the job.
I especially thank the members of Course 7, Oatsy’s Team 6 at Norwood,
the Police cricket and footy teams and all the guys down at Transit
for all the laughs we have had over the years.
I think it’s the people who I will miss the most about the job,
especially Mick Turnbull and his impersonations.
All the best
Shane “Tuna” Maraun
Constable 4111/7
Transit Team 1
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association due to my
retirement effective from August 12, 2004.
My thanks to you and the staff at the association for all you have
done and will do for all of us - it is really appreciated.
Goodbye to everyone I have had the pleasure to work with over the
last 30 years, and all the best for the future.
Jill Nation
PALSA Intelligence
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association, effective
August 13, 2004, due to my retirement from SAPOL.
After 42 years and five months’ service I leave with many memories
of a challenging and rewarding career.
My best wishes for the future to the many people I have been associated
with over those years.
Thanks to the Police Association for its continuing efforts for the
benefit of the membership.
Gerry Carr
Sergeant
Holden Hill LSA
Dear Andy
Due to my retirement on August 18, 2004, I wish to advise the cancellation
of my membership of the Police Association as from that date. I could
whinge about things over many pages but what is the point. The one
thing I will say to all new members of SAPOL, after 20-plus years,
is that the job is a great job but beware of the “little man” who
may be in the background watching you.
I wish to thank the association for its help over the years with
many matters. Without the association working for us it would be an
impossible battle to fight on your own. Keep up the good work.
Also, to Mr Cornish and everyone else at Communications, where I
went as part of a rehab scheme, thanks for helping me get back to
work and going out of your way with altered shifts, etc.
Graham Maddern
1796/1
Communications Division
Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association effective
on my retirement date of August 18, 2004.
I thank you and the association for your help and support over the
past 40 years.
Kind regards
Ian G Matters
Senior Constable
1565/5
Mounted Operations Unit
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association effective
as of Friday August 20, 2004, this being my last day of service with
SAPOL.
After almost 19 years with SAPOL, I have accepted an offer to stay
and work at the headquarters of the Australian Crime Commission (ACC)
in Canberra. I am not leaving the law enforcement game, merely changing
jerseys.
SAPOL over the years has offered me opportunities that few other
careers could and, for that, I am very thankful.
Those opportunities include working at the former National Crime
Authority and the Australian Bureau of Criminal Intelligence, representing
SAPOL (and the afore mentioned agencies) as an instructor at the first
Russian Organized Crime Conference (held in Sacramento, California),
being seconded to the ABCI in Canberra, working closely with the FBI
after September 11 (and meeting the American ambassador as a result)
and becoming the project manager for an $11 million federally-funded
project to develop the analytical enhancements to the nation’s criminal
intelligence database.
It is this last opportunity that sees me (and my fiancée, Tracy)
staying in the nation’s capital.
I have met some wonderful friends and characters during my time
with SAPOL, a number of whom I will still have contact with both professionally
and personally.
To all those from course 13 (The Chosen Ones - 1985) still in the
job, I wish you all the very best. To those who I have worked with
or who know me, I extend the same best wishes and, if you’re ever
in the nation’s capital, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Cheers
Gavin Larsen
Acting Snr Sgt
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association as my last
day of service with SAPOL will be Friday, August 27, 2004. I have
taken up a position in PIRSA Fishwatch which, to all of you who know
me, will be an area that I am sure I will enjoy.
I thank the association for its continued endeavours and say farewell
to a 20-year career that has brought me a lot of fond memories, close
friends and associates.
I wish the best to you all in the future.
Regards
Ian Jones
Acting Detective Sergeant
Crime Training Section
Dear Andy
As of August 31, 2004, I am resigning from SAPOL. Please accept my
resignation from the Police Association effective immediately. Happiness
is what you make out of life.
Amanda Short
Constable 7319/6
Adelaide Enquiries
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association due to my
retirement from SAPOL effective September 1, 2004. If ever in need,
the association has been there to assist. To President Peter Alexander,
along with many other committed committee and staff members who have
served throughout the years - thank you.
I retire from SAPOL after 38 years’ service with one regret: being
unable to locate the elixir of youth. I have thoroughly enjoyed my
time in the job and, given the opportunity once more I would jump
at the chance.
I leave with many fond memories and the pleasures of having worked
with great people of all ranks and disposition. With no axe to grind,
nor whistle to blow, I say thanks for having me. It was a great ride
and it’s now time to get off.
Yours sincerely
Eric Douglas
Holden Hill CIB
Dear Andy
I wish to advise you of my resignation from SAPOL as of September
1, 2004, and cancellation of my membership of the Police Association.
I thank the PASA for its support and assistance throughout my career.
I guess many of you are wondering what I will be doing with life
after SAPOL. I can assure you I will not be resuming my modelling
career.
I look back on my time with many fond memories of friends made and
experiences.
I especially look back at my time associated with the police football
team as a player and later as a super coach (inspired by JD).
On the annual trips, I was exposed to members of all levels, from
cadet to senior management. The professionalism displayed and the
conduct shown not only influenced my professional career but also
my personal life. Discipline, mateship and camaraderie were the key
ingredients. I wish I could remember it all.
Many of those involved have gone onto greater things, therefore,
I won’t mention any names.
I also thank all those I have worked with at Darlington, Adelaide,
Surveillance, Sturt, and, on occasions, Internal Investigations (not
my choice).
I especially thank the members and management of STAR Group, in
which I spent the majority of my time. Those memories will stay with
me forever.
All the very best and stay safe
Chris “Banger” Baldwin
Dear Andy
The time has come for me to hang up my hat and move onto the next
phase of my life. After 44-plus years of service with SAPOL, I have
finally decided that retirement looks good. My last day of service
will be September 1, 2004.
I thank you and the Police Association for the way you have looked
after the interests of the members and myself over the years.
I thank and pass on my best wishes to the many members I have worked
with and known during my career - your friendship and assistance has
been appreciated. There have been a lot of great and dedicated people
with whom I have had the pleasure to associate and work during that
period.
In particular, the staff in the Elizabeth area, where I spent two
postings, almost seven years in the 1960s and during this last stint,
some 19 years since October 1985, as station/cells sergeant, patrols
at Elizabeth and Gawler, OC of the Elizabeth police station and, for
the past five years, OC of the Elizabeth Traffic Branch. It has been
a fantastic experience.
My wife and I had decided many years ago that, on retirement, we
would settle in Toowoomba Queensland, which is her home town. We have
purchased a block of land in the town and plan to build soon after
moving up there. Once we have completed that project, the new 4WD
and caravan are going to get quite a workout.
So, in the future, when you are on holidays anywhere around this
big brown land, keep a lookout for these grey nomads, or look us up
if you ever pass through the pretty city of Toowoomba.
Thank you for all the good memories and your friendship. Good luck
and best wishes to all present and past members of SAPOL who have
enriched my career and made it such a fantastic experience.
Yours sincerely
Phil Mather
Senior Sergeant 347/2
Elizabeth LSA
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association to coincide
with my resignation from SAPOL. My last active day of service was
September 2, 2004.
I say goodbye to all those people I was unable to catch up with
before my departure. I have enjoyed the last 19 years meeting and
working with a variety of people, especially those within the covert
field of policing.
I take away fond memories and a lifetime of skills and experience.
I am off to pursue other career goals and opportunities.
Mark Pinder
Detective Sergeant 1702/4
Specialist Technical Support Unit
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association effective
September 2004 to coincide with my last day of service with SAPOL.
Kind regards
Bob Alsop
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association to coincide
with my last day of service with SAPOL, being September 8, 2004.
I thank those in SAPOL who assisted and worked with me in my 14
years at Unley, Whyalla, Adelaide Division and Firearms.
Regards
Gerry Patterson
Constable3665/6
Firearms Branch
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association. My last
day of service with the South Australia Police was September 15, 2004.
As most people would probably know by now, I have been selected to
enter the Western Australia Police Service, and I start there at the
end of September 2004.
My first trip to Western Australia was about four years ago, after
meeting Abbie, my wife, in Bali. I instantly fell in love with the
sun, surf and lifestyle in WA and, for those of you who have been
there, you know what I mean. The other great thing is that Perth is
only three hours from Bali, another love of ours.
Abbie left her family and friends and came to live in Adelaide. I
guess I am doing the same thing but it affects both of us now, as
we will leave behind some great friends we have made here.
In saying this, I am looking forward to setting our lives up in
WA and showing our friends around this beautiful part of Australia.
The visitors’ suite will be ready to be booked hopefully within 12
months or so.
I just want to say thank you to everyone I have ever worked with
whilst in SAPOL. You guys and gals have been great and you all know
who you are. Thanks for the laughs and jokes during the hard times
that made the job fun. Thanks goes to the good old Elizabeth Team
3 - which, in the early days, included Ricko, Hollis, Uncle Sears,
Brian, Nicki, Shamus, Simon, Sgt Feckner, Sgt Baans - and everyone
else at Elizabeth Station.
I say thank you to the two members who had an influence on my career
but have passed on - Mick Supple (Suppleski) and Jeff Mumford.
I say another big thank you to all the past and present members
at Norwood police station, especially Team 1. I came to Norwood in
2003 and have worked with some great people again. A big thank you
goes to Astrid Gustavson and Michelle Hollis, who have helped me since
my arrival. I will miss all you guys heaps.
Good luck to everyone, and see you again some day.
“Big” Nikko Stollznow
Constable 8443/9
Adelaide LSA
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association due to my
retirement from SAPOL, my last day of service being September 15,
2004. Best wishes to all for the future.
Regards
Grant Attenborough
Snr Const 923/0
OSTU
Dear Andy
Please accept my resignation from the Police Association, effective
September 19, 2004, due to my retirement.
I thank all the members I have worked with throughout my career
of 43 years and seven months, especially the staff - both police and
civilian - at Whyalla for the past 18 years.
I wish to thank the association for its help in the past.
EJ (Jim) Vigar
Sergeant 681/3
Whyalla Patrols
