After more than five decades with the NSW Police Force, Senior Sergeant John Waples has donned his badge and cap for the last time.
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Staff at the Goulburn PCYC marked Sergeant Waples retirement with a ceremonial 'march out' on October 1.
Sergeant Waples, who attested in Redfern in 1970, has spent the last 50 years patrolling roads and working with at-risk children across the state.
As a fresh-faced 19-year-old, he started his career as a probationary constable stationed at Regent Street, Sydney. The police officer said he joined because he "wanted to make a difference".
"They told me I wouldn't last 12-months because I was too shy," he said.
"I had a real bee in my bonnet after that, and I think I went on to prove them wrong."
After two years, he moved to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, where he spent eight years until an incident while on duty in Wollongong changed the course of his career in 1978.
"I'd just pulled a fella over that had gone through a red light. We were parked on the side of the road and a truck came along from behind and ran over the top of the police car," Sergeant Waples said.
"The guy I was working with was injured as well. I was too young to stop working so I fought back and kept going.
"My neck and back injuries meant I couldn't spend all day in a highway patrol car, so I ended up moving back into general duties out of Lithgow."
After three years working the beat, Sergeant Waples was ready for a change and moved into a role with the Police Citizens Youth Clubs of NSW (PCYC). He partnered with a retired headmaster and started a youth program in Cessnock, to help teenagers suspended from school return to the education system.
"We saw a lot of kids, who were making bad choices and destined for institutions, change the way they did things and go on to lead fulfilling lives," he said.
"That was definitely the most rewarding part of my 50-year career."
Sergeant Waples' final posting was at Goulburn PCYC, where he continued his work with high-risk youth.
"I was reluctant to leave in the end, but I guess 50 years is a long time," he said.
Like many before him, the Mr Waples will make a sea change and move to the South Coast. He has already signed up as a volunteer with Marine Rescue at Greenwell Point.
"I'm looking forward to enjoying the sunshine and saltwater and will certainly be continuing to live life to the fullest," he said.
The retiree said he looked forward to going fishing and spending time with his wife Linda.
"I've had enough love from the police force so I've decided to share a bit with my darling wife," he said.
When it comes to cherished memories of his time on the force, Mr Waples said there were "too many to mention".
