“I wanted to become a police officer as I believed it was a good way to assist people when they needed it most and it offered a large array of different positions within the force,” he told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“As I was still a bit young to join, I did an apprenticeship as a Mechanical Fitter at the Ford factory in Geelong.”
Now, after 38 years including 32 in Yarrawonga, Senior Constable Welsh officially retired on Friday, December 10. The 60-year-old joined Victoria Police on August 22, 1983, graduated from the Police Academy, Glen Waverley on December 4, 1983 and worked at both Norlane and Sunshine Police Stations as training stations, then at Melbourne District Traffic and Patrol performing special duties.
Following a year at Newport Police Station, he transferred to Geelong Police Station, successfully completed his Senior Constable exams and was attached to the Geelong CIB until being transferred to Yarrawonga Police Station in September 1989 as Senior Constable.
In the last 32 years, a lot of changes have occurred at Yarrawonga Police Station, including a change of location from Irvine Parade to Burley Road and a substantially larger building.
“I have seen the station increase from one sergeant, three senior constables and Ellen Phipps our ever reliable reservist to one sergeant, seven senior constables and our clerk Georgie,” Sen. Const. Welsh said.
“I have always appreciated that most people I have had to deal with, for good or bad reason, never appeared to hold a grudge and would speak to you in the street.
“Whilst there were always some very serious situations you are required to attend, there are also those that are on the lighter side. I recall whilst working one day being called to attend at my house and rescue my then three-year-old son who had got stuck whilst climbing the tree in the back yard or on the occasions persons would report their car stolen only to find after some quick walking up the street that they had parked in a different position than they thought.”
Sergeant Ted Graham at Yarrawonga said his work colleague has been “an extremely committed police officer”, adding: “He’s one of the better investigators, extremely reliable and nothing was too great a challenge for him.
“For Russ to be in the police force for nearly 40 years – in an ever-changing environment where he has always adapted to change – speaks so highly of his dedication and loyalty.”
But soon after the sergeant started in Yarrawonga, in 2007 as a senior constable, the sergeant for nearly four years now wondered momentarily about his future boss.
“One of my first shifts after transferring to Yarrawonga involved a lot of cows that had got out in a Cullens Road property,” Sgt. Graham said.
“Russ and I went. He said ‘just stand near the gate’ and all of a sudden these cows came straight for me. I thought I was going to get mauled and thought, as a young fellow from Melbourne, what have I got myself into, all these cows coming my way?
“Russ has been on some big jobs in Yarrawonga, including a murder. He’s handled everything so well and I’ll miss him.”
In July this year, Senior Constable Rick Ellis retired. “I worked with Russ for over 30 years,” he said. “‘Mr Reliable’ – that’s the word I’d use to describe him. Level-headed, committed, very good, very good mate.”
Both work colleagues wish Russ and his family all the best in retirement.
When Senior Constable Welsh came to Yarrawonga, he and wife Leonie had two children. They now have four children.
“We came to Yarrawonga to experience small town country policing,” he said. “We chose Yarrawonga as it was a town my family had holidayed at over a long period of time and both Leonie and myself thought it would be a great place to bring up our family.
“We love Yarrawonga. I have always enjoyed the variety of work that we perform and enjoy the great community we live in.
“In retirement we intend to spend more time with family and friends. The garden should be able to look a bit better and I may give some consideration to taking up golf again.”
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