STEVE Jones worked in the NSW Police Force for 27 years, including eight years at Muswellbrook prior to his retirement in 2004.
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On Thursday morning, he was welcomed to Muswellbrook Police Station, along with Alan Doak and Ken Edwards, for Retired Police Officers Day.
The annual event provides an opportunity to honour the contribution, sacrifice and legacy of retired officers.
Mr Jones said it was rewarding serving the community.
He said he made lifelong friendships throughout his career, and the community was often very appreciative of the police.
“A guy I met on the first day in police cadets in ‘77, I’m still friends with to this day,” he said.
Hunter Valley Local Area Command Acting Inspector Guy Guiana said it was a state-wide event that had been around for a few years.
“[It’s] an opportunity for the retired officers to come back and see some of the changes that have occurred,” he said, adding it was good for the younger officers to meet with the retirees and hear from them as well.
The day included a morning tea and a presentation at the station, followed by a briefing about some of the advancements in the police force.
But, the event also presented a flashback for Inspector Guiana.
“Alan Doak was one of my divisional training officers when I joined 30 years ago in Sydney,” he said.
Mr Doak worked a total of 32 years in the NSW Police Force, including seven years at Denman.
He said he enjoyed being able to help people during his career.
For the purposes of the event, a retired officer is a former NSW police officer who retired due to optional age retirement, older than 55, or was disengaged as a result of being hurt on duty or medically unfit; or someone who resigned from the NSW Police Force after diligent and ethical service of at least 10 years.