The high regard in which Parkes Police is held was never more evident than the official opening of the new $14 million Parkes Police Station.
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NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell was joined for the opening by the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Michael Gallagher, Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, and virtually the entire hierarchy of the NSW Police.
Among the high ranking officers present were Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn, Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie and Assistant Commissioner John Hartley.
Senior police from other areas of the state were also present, as were the Mayors of Parkes (Ken Keith), Forbes (Ron Penny) and Lachlan (Des Manwaring).
Also among the large crowd were ex-police, senior officers of the State Emergency Services, Rural Fire Service, and other organisations, and residents from throughout the district.
Local State Member for Dubbo, Troy Grant – who worked with Police Commissioner Scipione in 2006 – was particularly acknowledged for his efforts in finally securing the new building, which is the headquarters of the Lachlan Area Command.
The station houses 52 officers and eight administration staff.
Yesterday’s impressive formal ceremony was held indoors and Mr O’Farrell unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
Mr O’Farrell paid special tribute to the police force across the state and said he was often frustrated by the lack of respect it deserved and at times, the lack of support from the judicial system.
“We are almost weekly increasing police powers so they can do their job much more efficiently,” he added.
“I am proud to be in Parkes today to officially open this fully-operational, 24 hour a day police station.
“It is wonderful to see the local frontline police with such first class facilities so they can do their job.”
Premier O’Farrell said he was well aware of the story of how Parkes was named back in 1873 (to secure the east-west rail line, the town was re-named after the premier of the time, Henry Parkes).
“There’s no need to re-name the town O’Farrell after today,” he joked.
Commissioner Scipione said the impressive new building was located neatly with buildings associated with Parkes’ police history.
“Next door is the police lock-up and residence built in 1883 which is still receiving police use,” he pointed out.
“I understand the very first station did not have any walls or roof, and that villains were tied to a substantial stump with bullock chains.
“Parkes received its first proper station with five police in 1875.
“Now 139 years on, there is this magnificent state-of-the-art facility with 52 police and other staff.”
But he added that police were not judged by the impressive buildings, but on the job they do protecting its local community.
“Police are measured by the way they look after their residents,” he said. “They do this with the highest of professional standards, with integrity, impartiality, respect and a focus on customer service.
“This is what the community rightly expects, what they deserve, and what the community will get.”
Lachlan Area Command Superintendent Chris Taylor said local police were delighted with their new station.
But he stressed, it would never have come about without the efforts of Project Manager, Jenny Barrott.
He also thanked the input of local inspectors, Dave Cooper, Nick Weyland and Scott Rayner.
A special cake made by local resident, Vera Davis and decorated by Jeanette MacGregor, was later cut by the Premier, Commissioner, Mr Grant and other senior police.
