AFTER 43 years working for Victoria Police, leading senior constable David Rook completed his last shift on Friday, with the Hamilton Police Station throwing a farewell morning tea to celebrate his outstanding career.

Since joining Victoria Police as a Cadet in 1979 when he was just 17 years old, Ldg Sen Const Rook has developed a reputation for always being ready to offer a helping hand and treating everyone with the same level of respect, kindness and compassion, regardless of the situation.

Once he graduated as a Cadet and completed his time at the Police Academy, Ldg Sen Const Rook was stationed at Williamstown Police Station, followed by Russell Street Police Station, Police Communications (D24), South Melbourne, Avondale Heights, St Albans Police Station, and the Broadmeadows District Support Group, before being transferred to the Hamilton Police Station in 1988.

After around a decade of moving stations, Ldg Sen Const Rook was transferred for the last time in 1993 to become the single police member at the Macarthur Police Station, a role he has held for the past 29 years.

At his farewell last Friday, Ldg Sen Const Rook was thanked through an announcement on the police radio which congratulated him on his exceptional policing career.

“Leading senior constable Rook is retiring after 43 years of outstanding police service to the community, he has served with distinction and passion, including 29 years as a single member of Macarthur,” the announcement said.

“David has immersed himself and his family in the Macarthur community and made it a better place from his active participation, quality of work, commitment, work ethic and integrity.

“David is the example of what a single station police member should be – selfless, committed, proactive … he is held in the highest regard by his community and his colleagues.

“Rooky, your humour and enthusiasm will be missed.

“Congratulations on a wonderful career, may you and your family enjoy a healthy and well-earned retirement.”

Divisional commander superintendent, Martin Hardy, presented Ldg Sen Const Rook with his police certificate of identity and retirement badge and gave a speech where he commended David and his wife, Bernice, for the “sensational” work they have done for the local area.

“The effect on the community that has been created by you doesn’t happen without a team effort, and Bernice you’re part of that team, and part of Victoria Police more broadly,” he said.

“You are the epitome of a single member station.

“I can remember going in there and visiting you and you could eat your dinner off the floor of the police station – everything was neat and clean and tidy, and you can’t ask for better than that.

“It’s been an exemplary career and you should be very, very proud of what you’ve achieved for the community, but as a family too.”

Supt Hardy also acknowledged the Australian Police Medal that Ldg Sen Const Rook was awarded in January this year, which is given for distinguished service by a member of an Australian police force.

Ldg Sen Const Rook said he was “stuck for words” and was thankful for the thoughtful send off from Victoria Police and his colleagues who had become family.

“I’m very humbled and flattered beyond belief,” he said.

“You don’t ever want it to come to the pointy end but when it does you think ‘wow, what do I do now’.

“Thank you very much for your kind words … you don’t expect an ending I guess, and when it comes … I know you won’t believe me but I’m lost for words.”

Ldg Sen Const Rook has been an active member of the Macarthur community since moving there in 1993, playing for and coaching the local football team, and interacting with residents at every possible opportunity.

Reflecting on his career, Ldg Sen Const Rook said it was his wife, Bernice, and the connections he made in the police force that kept him passionate about his work throughout the years.

“Communication is big, great family support, a great friend network and a great network of colleagues always kept me half sane and kept me going,” he said.

“It’s been a ride; it’s been a rollercoaster.

“I couldn’t have done it without the chief (Bernice), she is the absolute brains behind the operation.

“There have been many times I have had to do things and I’ve run it past Bernice first and we discuss it before even going to my colleagues.

“And you (police) do support each other without meaning to and that’s just by talking, by being friends, just being a shoulder.”

While Ldg Sen Const Rook said starting this new chapter was daunting, he was looking forward to travelling with his wife, moving to South Australia, and enjoying a well-deserved break.