The Last Shift

For the full version of The Last Shift, go to PASAweb at www.pasa.asn.au

Bryan Fahy Robert Grinter John McMahon Jonathan Ray

Assistant Commissioner Bryan Fahy Governance and Capability Service 44 years’ service Last day 26.04.20

Comments…

“From my perspective on the association, thank you for all the efforts from Mark Carroll, current and past executive teams, current and past association employees, and current and past representatives in the workplace for all they have achieved and continue to achieve.

“It has been my managerial experience that having a good working relationship with the reps has positively contributed to a happier work environment with far less conflict and I have appreciated their input into workplace matters. They provide a valuable window into workplace activities.

“Like others, I have queried our association subscription cost but have reflected on its value. It is the association which has significantly contributed to the good wages and conditions that SAPOL members enjoy.

“I also reflect on other benefits such as the insurance policy while working and the generous discounts available through businesses.

“I would also remind readers that our subscriptions are a great insurance policy from legal action. I speak from personal experience having been the recipient of significant support through association funding and a good legal team for an extensive ongoing legal issue for which I was targeted. So, thank you specifically for this. One never knows when such matters will arise.

“From my perspective on SAPOL, I have thoroughly enjoyed the vast majority of the many postings and experiences I gained in 44 years of service.

“I love what SAPOL stands for and have been pleased to be part of it for most of my life. It has been my experience that the vast majority of people I have engaged with across SAPOL are positive and enthusiastic and keen to contribute to keeping the community safe. I will miss the interaction.

“I wish both SAPOL and the association well as they venture into the futuristic workforce, one where evidence-based research, and my experience, shows respect, gender and cultural equity, flexible work practices and true engagement are important parts of a harmonious workplace.

“Harmony equals greater productivity and a happier workplace, thereby leading to positive outcomes for community, the very reason we exist.”

Senior Constable 1C Robert Grinter Road Safety Section 31 years’ service Last day 25.05.20

Comments…

“A big thanks to the Police Association for its hard work over the years, and especially for its support and assistance after the passing of my wife, Joanne, in 2016.

“The same has to be said for the support from my many other colleagues in blue. It was greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. My best wishes to you all for the future.”

Senior Sergeant 1C Jonathan “Jon” Ray Governance and Capability Service 42 years’ service Last day 10.11.19

Comments…

“Joining in 1978 with my fellow Course 63 members, we were the last course to graduate in the 1970s (December 1979).

“Having served under six commissioners, a lot has changed. I am glad to have been able to experience all these alterations, changes, and reviews of how SAPOL undertakes its policing role.

“I have worked with and for a vast range of individuals, most of whom I have actually enjoyed working with.

“I am comfortable in saying that the one thing that has been of “topical discussion” is the need for the application of true empathy and respect across all dimensions of the organization. This work will need to be ongoing.

“I comfortably move on to my next chapter to enjoy the fruits of my service, my work within numerous volunteering platforms, travel, and pretty well anything else I choose.

“I thank my family and close friends. I also thank the association, especially the executive, for its consistent and ongoing support for members in whatever form it takes.”

Sergeant John McMahon Northern District Planning 38 years’ service Last Day: 08.11.19

Comments…

“I was warned by fellow retirees that I would be busier than before, and they were correct.

“I often reflect on my nearly 39 years of service with SAPOL. It was a blast and I had experiences that money can’t buy. This was helped by a wide range of postings: • Patrols (ranging from Port Adelaide to Port

Augusta, Andamooka to Renmark to Unley). • ComCen. • Operational Safety Training Unit (a favourite). • EMES (another favourite). • LSA/district planning sergeant (tying it all together).

“SAPOL also gave me extraordinary experiences including: • Involvement in the Baxter and Roxby

Operations. • General duties OC Spray concept and rollout. • Queensland floods deployment. • G20 Brisbane deployment. • Local and overseas Bluey Day/Crop-a-Cop head shaves. • The Australian Bicentennial Police Overland

Camel Expedition (very different). • Delivering a presentation about Op Nomad at a national conference. • National CT exercises (planning and several as role player). • Participation in national and international firearms instructor development courses.

“Most of all, I thoroughly enjoyed training SAPOL members and making sure they had the best operational skills and equipment to keep them safe.

“My fellow retirees were also correct that I would miss the troops, the Blue Family. Attempting to fill that void I have thrown myself into my new CFS Red Family.

“I have met and worked with countless terrific men and women during my SAPOL years. I thank you all for watching my back, laughing with me (occasionally at me), keeping me sane and guiding me to consider which battles were actually worth fighting for.

“To those who remain: never lose focus of why you joined and continue to serve. Always look after each other and, when your time comes to pull the pin, relish and hold close the memories and mementos of the great experiences and the wonderful people you worked with.”

Top left: On deployment in Queensland during the Brisbane floods in 2011; top right: on Operation Nomad bushfire patrol in the Adelaide Hills.