BACK in 1991, the price of fuel was 60 cents per litre, Bryan Adams had the chart topper, ‘I do it for you’, and in November of that year, Hamilton became home for Paul Stanhope.

After graduating from the Victorian Police Academy in Glen Waverley in 1985 and spending seven years working at stations in Hawthorn,  Camberwell and then in Geelong, the rural setting came as a bit of a shock to then-senior constable Stanhope, or ‘Stanners’ as he was nicknamed by his colleagues - however, he quickly fell in love with the area and its people.

After more than 30 years at the Hamilton Police Station where he was promoted to sergeant in 2002, Sgt Stanhope put on his policing uniform for the last time on Friday and looked back at his policing career with fond memories.

“Living and working here, for me, has been the experience of a lifetime,” he said.

“I didn’t think this day would ever come.

“I met my wife Carolyn here, she agreed to marry me in 1993 and we went on to raise our four children here.

“I couldn’t think of a better place for that to happen.”

Sgt Stanhope said he had made lifelong friendships with colleagues throughout his career and wanted to extend his sincere gratitude to every person who had assisted in his policing journey and made coming to work a highlight rather than a hindrance.

“The things I’m going to miss most – and I know it’s a cliché – is the people,” he said.

“I love working here so it’s going to be very hard.”

At Sgt Stanhope’s official farewell on Friday morning, Hamilton Police senior sergeant, Gerard Kelly thanked him for his outstanding work and dedication throughout his career.

“Over the course of your journey here, you’ve clearly been a very well-respected police member from Hamilton and well known in the community for your involvement,” he said.

“Stanners, thank you for your efforts … it’s been a wonderful time and experience with you here.”

While Sgt Stanhope played an important role in assisting the Southern Grampians community over the course of his 31 years stationed in Hamilton, he said it was important to emphasise that he did not do it alone.

“I have had the privilege to work alongside a lot of police members sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly moments,” he said.

“I have also been supported by police members outside our station from different areas, some in different roles.

“At the station, I have always been helped and supported by our clerical staff, Nicole Evans and Julie Burger; also ‘the boss’, senior sergeant, Gerard Kelly, and his predecessors, Nick Finnegan and John Kiely.” 

Sgt Stanhope said it was not only other police officers who provided support and friendship throughout the years, but members of other emergency response units around Hamilton.

“Our response area of Southern Grampians has had its fair share of fires, floods, storms, etc. … I should know, I’ve attended a few,” he said.  

“I have had the pleasure of working with other agencies, CFA, SES, and Ambulance.

“For a time, I was going to a lot of jobs involving the SES; each time I would run into Craig Munro, who would always shake his head and greet me with, ‘Not you again!’.

“At times policing can be a difficult job.

“To those who have made it easier for me down through the years, I pass on my heartfelt thanks.”

While his colleagues and friends were always there for him, Sgt Stanhope said nobody provided quite as much support as his wife, Carolyn, who has been his rock for the past 29 years.

While his policing career has come to an end, Sgt Stanhope said he plans to remain in Hamilton and hoped to see many familiar faces while out in the community.