Career cop recognised for service

By Tania Martin
FOR Gavan Wyllie joining the police force was always on the cards.
But the 51-year-old career cop didn’t join the boys in blue straight out of school.
The Emerald Senior Constable wanted to get some life experience first.
Now, two decades on, he has been recognised with a 20-year service medal – but he has vowed to continue on for years to come.
Some would say Sen Const Wyllie was a late starter but he had his reasons.
He joined when he was 30 but said it was all part of the plan.
“I wanted to go into the force with some life experience,” he said.
Sen Const Wyllie worked as a surveyor for the government for 10 years, before turning his hand to the police force.
He had his first posting in Hastings where he spent 12 months.
Sen Const Wyllie has had numerous posts including at the old watch house in Russell Street, the former Victoria Docks in Flinders Street, Dandenong, Pakenham and now Emerald.
Sen Const Wyllie has been at Emerald since April 2006.
He said the highlight of his career was helping people and young kids stay out of trouble.
Sen Const Wyllie said, if he could help kids keep on the straight and narrow, it would feel like he’s achieved something.
He plans to continue to be on the beat for at least another 14 years or until retirement calls.