NOW AND THEN: Oxley Local Area Command duty officer Inspector Paul Johnson with former Oxley police officer Lloyd Goddard’s wife Doreen Goddard. Photo: Robert Chappel 230812RCA009
RETIRED police officers from across the region will be among thousands taking part in inaugural statewide Retired Police Day ceremonies today.
About 115 former officers living in the Oxley Local Area Command (LAC) – Tamworth district – are expected to attend a function at the Tamworth Town Hall.
Former officers living in the New England LAC – Armidale district – attended a special event at the Armidale Bowling Club yesterday to coincide with the local Retired Police Association branch’s quarterly meeting.
Retired Police Day, to be held on the first Thursday of September each year, was launched to honour the contribution, sacrifice and ongoing legacy of retired officers who have provided service over the years.
Each of the state’s LACs will host their own events to recognise retired officers living in the local area.
Oxley Local Area Command duty officer Inspector Paul Johnson said the Tamworth function would recognise those officers who served in this LAC or who now live here.
“Everyone here wanted to make a proper effort for the retired officers,” Inspector Johnson said.
“They are our predecessors, after all.”
The day includes a tour of the Tamworth Police Station afterwards to see how a modern station operates.
Retired Police Association Tamworth branch secretary Doreen Goddard will attend the ceremony in the place of her husband, former Chief Inspector Lloyd Goddard, who served for 41 years.
Mr Goddard has since passed away, but Mrs Goddard said he saw a lot of changes during his time on the force and would have been proud to be recognised.
“I think they will all be happy to catch up with their colleagues at the celebration,” she said.
Those attending the services will receive special commemorative pins.
To be eligible for the pins, retired officers are defined as ones who retired due to optional age retirement, were disengaged as a result of being hurt on duty or resigned from the force after service of at least 10 years.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione formally announced the day last week as part of the NSW Police Force’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
He said it would allow the current crop of police and the people of NSW to recognise and commend the efforts of former officers.
