A CAREER spanning 43 years is coming to an end for one of Laverton's most respected police officers.
Senior Sergeant Peter Gibbons, who has served the Laverton community for over a decade, has decided to call it a day. He graduated on February 7, 1967, and will retire from official duties in January 2011.
Senior Sergeant Gibbons goes on long-service leave from March 1, which will take him through to his last day.
"I've enjoyed the past 43 years, and what we've been able to achieve here in Laverton has been very important," he said.
"It's vital for police to be part of a community and I think we do that very well and have gained respect for it.
"This is a really vibrant place. I've been here over 11 years and intend to still be involved.
"We have a community renewal project, the Laverton Community Association, and in conjunction with Hobsons Bay Council and the State Government we're starting a community enterprise. It's called 'Goodbye Graffiti' and it's a contract with the Department of Transport to rid the area of graffiti.
"That's the great thing about this job: the teamwork, the comradeship and working together to get things done."
Senior Sergeant Gibbons will not be idle in retirement and plans to make the most of it.
"I'm a bit of a greenie. I love the natural environment, I'm a pretty keen bird watcher and I'm involved in a Landcare group, so there's plenty to keep me occupied."
Senior Sergeant Gibbons
said one of his most memorable and proud moments was in 2009 when he received the Australian Police Medal in the Queen's Birthday honours.
"That was my proudest achievement in the police force and one that I'll cherish forever."
Hobsons Bay police service area Inspector Bill Mathers said an officer of Senior Sergeant Gibbons' calibre would be sorely missed. "Peter has had a long and distinguished career with Victoria Police.
"He has demonstrated a passion for community work and, as officer in charge of Laverton, he's always led by example.
"He formed strong relationships with the council, government departments and local agencies and continually addressed issues affecting the local community.
"His leadership in the community will be sadly missed."
Former state MP Lynne Kosky, who worked alongside Senior Sergeant Gibbons on the Laverton Community Renewal project, described him as "the salt of the earth".
"Peter is well respected and loved by the Laverton community.
"His manner was such that he responded to issues by finding out what could be done to solve the problem and was proactive in Laverton.
"Peter never had a harsh word to say about anyone, was very supportive of everything, and will be sorely missed."
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard
said Senior Sergeant Gibbons
had served the Laverton community with distinction and provided great leadership on local issues. "I know he will be missed by both his colleagues and the broader Laverton community.
"I congratulate him on his years of service and his enduring commitment to our region."
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