Four Decades In The Force
Illawarra Mercury
Friday December 19, 2008
RETIRING Assistant Commissioner Robert May APM marked the end of his 41-year career in the NSW Police Force by marching off the parade ground at a twilight police graduation ceremony yesterday.
Mr May was accompanied by his two police officer sons, Leading Senior Constable Ashley May and Constable Robin May, for the march at the NSW Police Force College in Goulburn.NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione paid tribute to Mr May, the Southern Region Commander who joined the force in April 1967 and will retire on December 31."Assistant Commissioner May has shown commitment, loyalty and passion to protect the community of NSW over a period of 41 years," Mr Scipione said."For this dedication he will be missed."Mr May, who lives in the Illawarra, obtained his commissioned rank as Patrol Tactician at Bankstown in 1992.He became Assistant Commissioner following his appointment as Southern Region Commander on January 1, 2006.During his career, Mr May gained extensive experience with the Tactical Response Group. He received Region and Deputy Commissioner Commendations for his work as Operation Commander in 1993 and Field Commander in 1994, during the search of the Belanglo State Forest for evidence of the so-called backpacker murders.He received numerous awards during his four decades of service, including the Australian Police Medal, NSW Police Medal , Commissioner's Commendation for Bravery, Commissioner's Commendation for Courage and Commissioner's Commendation for Service.The NSW Police Force was yesterday boosted by 388 graduating probationary constables.Six will be deployed to the Illawarra, four to the Lake Illawarra local area command and one each to Wollongong and Shoalhaven.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury