One of Young’s most experienced police officers has retired.
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Chief Inspector Ashley Holmes, after 34 years in the force, his final eight years in Young, will retire to Port Macquarie with his family during January.
A graduate of the last ever class of Redfern, before the NSW Police Academy moved to Goulburn, Mr Holmes was farewelled at a barbecue lunch at Young Police Station on December 20.
Born and bred in the Blue Mountains, Mr Holmes spent his probation and first few years learning the ins and outs of policing in Blacktown and Mount Druitt.
With a keen interest in law, he moved into the prosecuting branch of policing, completed a law degree and became a solicitor.
He spent 22 years putting criminals behind bars in various local courts, children’s courts, coroner’s courts and drug courts before becoming a legal adviser for the State Crime Command’s homicide squad, drug squad and fraud squad.
During five years in this role he also spent time as the coordinator for legal advice for State Crime.
In 2010, he was promoted to Inspector and he and his family made the move to Young.
Beginning his career in 1984, Mr Holmes says policing has changed hugely as a result of the “leaps and bounds” in technology.
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He also explained that these days there’s a lot more theory behind becoming a police officer.
“When I started it was a manual type writer, and then it went to electric type writer, then telex, then computers and I’ve been playing catch up ever since,” Mr Holmes said.
“The guys these days need to know a lot more than we did. There’s a lot more law they need to know, a lot more procedure, a lot more policy.” Having wrapped up his career in the bush, Inspector Holmes said it’s been “heartening” to move to a community that’s so appreciative of police.
“Out here the police are a lot more appreciated and respected which was very heartening coming from the city where you’re pretty unknown or anonymous,” he said.
He said he’ll miss the camaraderie of working in a job which can at times be tough.
“It does have a lot of rewards. Clearing up a crime and helping the victims, there’s also camaraderie with your workmates,” he said.
“They go through a lot of stuff no one should have to see or do and that does draw you closer with your teammates, there is that mateship.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the police I’ve worked with here in Young, Cootamundra, they’ve been a top bunch of people. Also the community here in general, I’ve really enjoyed being a part of their community.”
Hume Police Superintendent Chris Schilt wished Mr Holmes all the best.
