November 1999 Volume 80 Number 11 "serving the protectors"
The Last Shift

Dear Andy

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association effective Thursday, September 2, 1999, this being my last day of service with SAPOL. To those members I have worked with over the past seven years I say thank you for all the good memories I will leave with.

Jason Spencer
Constable 1839
Port Augusta Patrols

Dear Andy

I hereby tender my resignation from the Police Association. My last day of service with SAPOL was September 19, 1999.

I have commenced employment with the Guide Dogs Association of SA and NT as a cadet guide dog instructor.

I had ALL intentions of complaining about the long list of frustrations we face while working for SAPOL, but now I just couldn’t be bothered.

I have spent the last six months working for an organization that truly appreciates every effort its employees make. To be appreciated by clients, colleagues and management is a wonderful change - and a far cry from SAPOL.

I thank everyone who supported me in my decision to leave. I also thank the system for making that decision so easy.

Tracey White

Dear Peter

One afternoon at the end of September, 1961, I waited anxiously outside a room on the first floor on the southern side of the parade ground at Thebarton Barracks. The recruit selection panel was considering my application for employment with SAPOL. The minutes seemed like hours as I waited. Finally, I was invited back into the room and asked to take a seat. A few minutes later the chairman of the panel concluded his remarks by saying: “We have decided to give you the opportunity to join the police department.” I have never forgotten those words and have ever been grateful for being given that opportunity.

My career commenced on October 23, 1961, with 17 weeks’ training in course 83. It will conclude after 37 years and 11 months on September 22, 1999, due to my retirement.

I leave with the satisfaction of having worked with a great team of men and women over the years, and I pay tribute to those dedicated to serving the people of South Australia and endeavouring to create a safer community in which to live.

SAPOL has provided me with the opportunity to live and work in many parts of South Australia. My involvement with police sport and the Sports Federation from its inception in 1981 has enabled me to travel and interact with police officers throughout Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the world.

There have been many highlights in my time with SAPOL and some of the most satisfying have been to see the look on the faces of successful applicants when I, as the recruiting sergeant, was able to say to them: “Your application to join SAPOL has been successful and you commence on...”

Peter, I have not had to call on the Association for assistance during my service, but I appreciate the work that you, the committee and staff are doing for the members and extend my thanks to all for the dedication and expertise provided.

My resignation from SAPOL and the Association will take effect from September 22, 1999. My best wishes to all for the future.

Merv Kowald APM
Senior Sergeant 1505/9
Officer-in-Charge
Recruiting Unit

Dear Andy

I hereby tender my resignation from the Police Association of South Australia to take effect Wednesday, September 22, 1999, which will be my last day of service with SAPOL.

I have decided to join the ranks of the self-employed and look forward to the rewards and challenges that lie ahead.

To those whom I have worked with over the past years, especially in the Transit Division, thanks for all the great times we have shared together and I wish you all the very best with your future careers - stay in touch guys.

Yours sincerely
Jim Jackson
Constable 8706/5
Transit Division

Dear Andy

My wife and I wish to tender our resignations from the Police Association effective from September 22, 1999, due to our resignation from the South Australia Police. We are continuing our careers with the Queensland Police Service in order to improve our family’s lifestyle and to seek better promotional opportunities. Both Wendy and I wish to thank all the members who we have had the pleasure to work with over the past 13 years, especially those involved in Prosecution and Highway Patrol. Their camaraderie has made working within SAPOL memorable. Our best wishes go to all members especially during this time of change and hope that all eventually aspire to their goals. Thanks also to the Police Association for the benefits and conditions that have been achieved over the years, keep up the good work.

Sincerely yours John Holland Senior Constable SE Highway Patrol

Wendy Priestly Senior Constable SE Criminal Justice Unit

Dear Andy

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association due to my retirement from SAPOL my last day of service being September 24, 1999.

My retirement has been accelerated due to the imminent civilianization of police positions within Records Division and my potential redeployment to another posting late in my career.

I have had an interesting and diverse career in metropolitan, country and city policing both operationally and administratively. I have seized the opportunity to retire to my financial advantage having carried out extended relieving duties over the past 30 months continuously.

My police career spans 36 years and nine months. I have also given 16 years’ service to members and the Association as a delegate at Whyalla from 1975 to 1978, then again in the Records area from 1986, now known as Operations Support retiring as conference delegate and branch president. I served as an Association representative on the Police Promotion Appeal Board from 1990 to 1997 which I found demanding personally rewarding.

I retire in a happy and positive frame of mind to travel extensively, follow the football and live between Crafers and Kingston SE in our seafront residence.

I congratulate the executive on its service to members and urge younger members to become more active in this regard. There are numerous ongoing challenges to be faced by members and I urge you all not to take your eye off the ball.

Finally I say thank you to all members I have had the privilege to know and work with over the years. A special thank you to Records Division members.

Yours sincerely
Ken Garvie
Senior Sergeant 271/0
Acting Officer-in-Charge
Information Release Section

Dear Peter

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association due to my leaving “the job”, my last day of service being 27.09.99. To all of the dedicated and hard working people with whom I have had the absolute pleasure of working over the last 20 years, I say thank you for the memories, and I wish all members the very best for the future.

Yours sincerely
M A McGinlay
(Ex) DSC1G 3565/3
Elizabeth CIB

Dear Peter

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association due to my early retirement (on the grounds of invalidity) from SAPOL effective September 29, 1999.

Over the past 26 years I have seen many changes and improvements within the department for females, one of the most memorable for me being the introduction of uniform and commencing as one of the first mixed patrols in Region B. Having worked in private enterprise for 11 years prior to joining SAPOL, I can say the camaraderie and loyalty is unique in “the job”.

Thanks to all my past workmates and the Police Association.

Kind regards
Margaret Blee
Detective Senior Constable
1336/3

Dear President

Please accept my withdrawal from the Police Association due to my resignation from SAPOL, effective from 29.09.99.

C J Elsworthy
FCC 3760/4

The Secretary

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association as of 29.9.99. Due to invalidity, my decision has been made for me to finalise about 37 years of membership.

Thank you
M G Egel
Ex-Senior Constable 1281/0
Radio Section

Dear Sir

I wish to advise of my resignation from the South Australia Police Department. My last day of service being October 2, 1999. I thank the association for its support over the years.

Thank you
David A O’Doherty
FCC 89/1
State Intelligence

Andy

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association of South Australia effective October 6, 1999, this being my retirement date from SAPOL.

Even after 35 years, 10 months and four days (but who was counting) it was a hard decision to make... but as someone reminded me “life is not a dress rehearsal” and recent health problems weighed heavily in my decision. I will take with me many fond memories of people, places and postings. There are many fine people in SAPOL... what a shame the powers to be don’t really seem to care about their most valuable resource.

May I also take this opportunity to thank you and the Association for the assistance afforded me over the years.

Yours sincerely
Ryk “Bristle” Traeger
Senior Constable
Port Adelaide LSA Intell

Dear Andy/Peter

Please accept my resignation from the Police Association of SA due to my resignation from SAPOL on 8.10.99. I look forward to spending more time with my two young sons. I have made so many great friends over the years and have enjoyed my time in the department. I wish everyone from courses 26 and 27 and those I have worked with at Elizabeth, Ceduna and Mount Gambier all the best for the future. I will try and stay in touch.

Yours sincerely
Michelle Hayter (nee Lehmann)
Constable 5359/2

Dear Peter

I hereby resign from the Police Association, effective 27.10.99, due to my retirement.

I wish you and your staff and all I have worked with during the past 341/2 years all the best.

Regards
Sgt Bob May
Kadina Police Station

Dear Andy

I wish to advise that because of failing health I have retired from SAPOL with my last day of service being 3.11.99.

Regrettably this requires me to resign as vice-president of the Police Association of South Australia and the Police Federation of Australia, South Australia branch, effective that date.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with the association and I thank the members for their support over the years.

Finally I wish all members the best for future careers where ever they should be, to police management, manage and lead with fairness and equity, and to association executive and staff keep leading from the front being the leading police union in Australia which will result in all members winning.

Farewell and good luck to all.

Regards
David Neale
Vice-President

PASAweb   Index & Search   Top of Page   Comments   Email to Editor

The Police Journal Online is an official publication of the Police Association of South Australia and is published monthly. Editors of kindred publications can seek permission from the Editor to re-publish any Police Journal Online article. Copyright 1999  The Police Association of South Australia sustance