Today, Batemans Bay Police Station has farewelled Senior Constable Mark Dawes, who has served his last day after almost 35 years.
It was a lifetime ambition for him to join the NSW Police Force to help the community, and in 1988, he did just that, spending almost 30 years of his career in Batemans Bay.
S/Cst Dawes made the move to Highway Patrol in 1997, where he saw out the rest of his career.
During that time, he has amassed 25 complimentary remarks over his three-and-a-half decades on the beat, including the Commissioner’s Commendation for courage shown during a siege at Mogo in the 1990s, where he was shot at.
S/Cst Dawes has also received Commander’s Commendations for exemplary driving and professionalism.
Commander of Traffic South, Superintendent Joe Thone, described S/Cst Dawes as a mentor for those joining the force.
“He was a founding member of the Batemans Bay Highway Patrol who really made his mark here in Batemans Bay and on the South Coast,” Supt Thone said.
“There are so many highlights…where do I begin? It has been a fun time; I have had a great time and looking forward to my next chapter,” Sen Const Dawes said.
“What I’ll miss the most is the comradery.”
The father of two now plans on hitting the road and seeing more of what Australia has to offer – with the Kimberleys first on the list.
Photos: South Coast Police District
