Record number of police recruits arrive in Northern Tablelands
Monday 19th December 2011
Group: L-R (front) - New England Local Area Commander Superintendent Bruce Lyons, Police Chaplain Father Anthony Koppman, Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay, Probationary Constables Tom Kornak, Alex Green, Angela de Filippis, Jessica Kane, Matthew Harris, Joel Browne, Michael Hill, Callum McArthur, Gregory Selby, Hakan Gulsoy, Armidale Dumaresq Mayor Cr Peter Ducat, Sergeant Chris Pieterse, (back) Probationary Constables Maroun Wehbee, Amanda Flintoff, Dane Carroll, Juan Frijas, Steve Arteaga and Caleb Vogel.
Mr Torbay said he was honoured to spend some time with the officers as they start their new careers.
"I was really honoured to have the chance to welcome the 16 officers to the region and catch up with them again after meeting them at the Police Academy in Goulburn a few weeks ago," Mr Torbay said. "I have made a commitment to meet with them all again in around six months to follow up on how they are settling into their new lives.
"The majority of the recruits are from Sydney and they were understandably a little anxious about life in 'the country', but after some reassurance at Goulburn and having now arrived here, they are all keen to get started.
"In addition to being members of the NSW Police family, they are now also members of our community and I am confident that they will be warmly welcomed to their new home.
"I was also pleased to learn that four new Detectives have been allocated to the Command with two for Armidale, and one each to Inverell and Glen Innes.
"These officers along with the newly established Police Dog Unit handler and dogs based in Armidale, will greatly strengthen the good work already being achieved in the region."
Superintendent Lyons said the new police on duty would allow for more pro-active policing.
"The arrival of these officers is wonderful news for the New England Local Area Command and community, they will make a terrific difference," Supt Lyons said.
"I know the community will get behind them and these extra police officers will enable the Command to be more proactive and allow us to better meet the needs and expectations of the community."