Veteran officer marches out, 40 years on

One of the Great Southern’s longest-serving police officers was given a fitting farewell last week after exactly 40 years in the force.

Sergeant Nigel Fiander’s retirement coincided with his 40th anniversary to the day he was sworn in as a WA Police officer with a special march-off ceremony recognising his invaluable contribution to keeping the streets safe.

Sgt Fiander was the Great Southern’s top traffic cop for a decade until taking up a new position in 2010 as the district’s training officer where he has spent the past eight years providing critical skills training to the district’s officers.

The 59-year-old moved to Albany in 2000 following postings in Narrogin, Kondinin, Kojonup, Dwellingup, Ravensthorpe and Mandurah, after beginning his time in the force in Fremantle.

He said he would retire with fond memories.

“The police force has been very good to me and my family. Policing has changed a lot over the years but the changes have been for the better,” he said.

“I’m going to miss the camaraderie amongst the officers and the day-to-day dealings with them. The main thing is missing the people you interact with and the bad memories you just put to one side.”

Sgt Fiander described his most recent role as the district’s training officer as a rewarding one and said he was proud of his achievements in road safety during his 10 years as the region’s traffic Sergeant.

A particularly proud moment was recently presenting his son, Senior Constable Owain Fiander, with his 10-year service medal.

Sgt Fiander encouraged anyone thinking about becoming a police officer to make the commitment to a rewarding career.

Superintendent Ian Clarke said Sgt Fiander was a dedicated officer of the Great Southern.

“It’s important to recognise he has given 40 years of his life serving his community,” he said.

“He has been a dedicated police officer who has a great passion and I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”