After more than four decades with the NSW Police Force, Sergeant Donald Stewart is ready to set sail into retirement.
During his 44-year-long career, the decorated officer has spent more than 40 of those years out patrolling and ensuring our waterways are safe with the Marine Area Command.
Sgt Stewart, who recently turned 60, said it was his time as a police cadet in 1976 that inspired him to join the Marine Area Command.
“I got my first experience out with the water police when I was a 16-year-old police cadet and I just knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life,” Sgt Stewart said.
“Being out on the water, helping to rescue people who come into trouble – it’s been a really fulfilling career.”
After he joined the NSW Police Force, Sgt Stewart was stationed at Parramatta before he made his return to the Marine Area Command in 1980. The command was based at Campbell’s Cove in the Rocks when Sgt Stewart first came on board.
During his career, Sgt Stewart was awarded the National Medal and its clasps, the National Police Service Medal and the NSW Police Medal.
On his final day today (Thursday 16 July 2020), he will be presented the sixth clasp for the NSW Police Medal.
Metropolitan Field Operations Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy thanked Sgt Stewart for his many years of service.
“It’s always great to see an officer who finds his passion in the force and dedicates his career to serving his community in that command,” Deputy Commissioner Loy said.
“I know the community will join me in thanking Sgt Stewart for always being there on our waterways to keep us safe.”
Marine Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Joe McNulty, said Sgt Stewart could look back on his career and be proud.
“Sgt Stewart has spent more time within the NSW Police Force than not, and he’s been such an integral part of the Marine Area Command,” A/Supt McNulty said.
“He’ll certainly be missed by all of us here at the command and he leaves a large legacy for officers here to follow.”
Sgt Stewart’s retirement plans include spending more time with family and friends, and never being too far from the state’s glorious beaches.
