Local police officer Steve Shellew is hanging up the uniform after 18 years. Pictured are (front) Leigh Coffey, Will Beaton, Nathanael Smith, (back) David McArt, Steve Shellew, and Oliver Smith.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
After 18 years, Leading Senior Constable Steve Shellew of Echuca police clocked in for his last shift on Friday, July 4.
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Having serviced the station for the past decade, Leading Sen Constable Shellew said it felt like it was the right time to retire.
“I’ve always maintained that you probably need to have a good laugh every day in your job; otherwise you’re likely to go mad,” he said.
“I’ve had a lot of fun. There’s your ups and downs, of course — parts of the job you wish no-one would have to go to... but someone has to do it, and you do those, and you soldier on.”
Among the highlights of his role has been working with clients from Vivid Echuca, who receive discarded bicycles from the station that can be worked on, restored and sold.
The partnership is cherished by both Leading Sen Constable Shellew and the participants, who have formed a strong bond during their time together.
“It’s good for us, and it’s really good for them. You can see the looks on their faces when they come here, how excited they get,” Leading Sen Constable Shellew said.
“It’s an enjoyment. I enjoy when we organise for them to pick up bikes.”
Last year, Vivid’s UPBicycle program sold 80 affordable bikes to community members, and the partnership between Echuca police and the service remains ongoing.
Apart from work with Vivid, Leading Sen Constable Shellew said his favourite part of his time in the police force had been the people he’s worked with.
Beginning his career in Shepparton in 2008 before transferring to Kyabram and then Echuca, the company has helped to make the job worthwhile.
Leading senior constable Steve Shellew outside the Echuca Police Station.
“I’ve worked with different people in situations where, sometimes, I can remember, we had to pull off the road and stop because we were crying with laughter,” Leading Sen Constable Shellew said.
“Those things are the highlights that, I think, are fantastic. I’ll miss those times.”
Leading Sen Constable Shellew said leaving the role would be bittersweet, but now plans to focus on travelling with his wife and eventually make the move further north.
After 30 years living in Echuca and nearly two decades with the police, he’s glad to be retiring in good health and with his sense of humour intact.
“I can just say it’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed it, thoroughly enjoyed it,” Leading Sen Constable Shellew said.
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