By EMMA SUN
OLINDA residents will see a new face in town following the recent appointment of a new officer in charge at the police station.
Sergeant Paul Phillips from Belgrave Police Station now leads the station, replacing Sergeant Andrew Herdman, who has been rotated back to Belgrave after looking after Olinda for two years.
Sgt Phillips is expected to stay at the station for at least a year, and joins Leading Senior Constables Tim Wall and Geoff Long to form a tight-knit team.
He said he hoped to become very involved with the community during his time at the station.
“I’m really looking forward to getting involved with the community, to get to know the locals and establish relationships,” he said.
“It’s a different policing environment here which I’m really looking forward to.”
Despite only being at the station for just a couple of weeks, Sgt Phillips said he was settling in very well.
“It’s a bit of a change because it is a much smaller station here but fortunately I’ve got Tim and Geoff who are both very experienced,” he said.
“It’s been a bit of a challenge getting to know the area – there are a few dirt roads going here and there which I’ve got to learn as I get around.
“I reckon we’ll work well together for the next year or so.”
He said he welcomed any visitors to the station to introduce themselves.
“My door is open here at the station so if anyone wants to drop by and say g’day to the new sergeant here, then by all means do it,” he said.
“I want to get to know them as much as they want to get to know me so don’t be afraid to drop by the station or give me a call.”
