A “veteran” of the Armidale unit, Inspector Lynch says he leaves his colleagues with mixed feelings.

“It’s going to be sad to go, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to spending more time with my kids and my beautiful wife.”

Being a police officer can be a thankless task at times, but colleagues and community members have praised Inspector Lynch for his work in Armidale.

“He really has strengthened the ties between the police and the community,” Inspector Roger Best said.

“I’m now doing his job and stepping into that position has shown me that there are big shoes to fill.” Inspector Lynch said he would remain an active member of the community in retirement.

“I love it here. It’s a great place to raise kids and the town has been really good to me,” he said.

Now 48, Inspector Lynch started his policing career at the Goulburn academy in October 1985.

He graduated the following January and began life as a probationary constable at the Chatswood station.

Inspector Lynch spent 11 years at Chatswood.

He left in 1997 to become a sergeant at the Eastwood station.

His leadership skills were immediately recognised by superiors and it was only three years later that he replaced his three hooks for three stars to be an inspector at Armidale.

It’s been 13 years since Inspector Lynch arrived in Armidale and he says he’s enjoyed every moment of it.

“The highlights have been my involvement in the community and the friendships I’ve made,” he said.