Anear three-decade career as a frontline police officer has drawn to a close for popular Millicent resident Carol Grimes.
However, her interpersonal skills and invaluable contribution to the Millicent community will not be lost as she is returning to her original occupation as a teacher.
Around 20 of her past and present colleagues from police stations across the region gathered at Millicent for a morning tea and to pay their respects.
Heading the list was former Millicent and Beachport officer Michael Sampson who now holds the rank of Acting Superintendent.
For Carol, the path to becoming the upholder of law and order was not a straight one.
“I had always wanted to be a police officer when I was growing up but my dad talked me out of it,” Carol said.
“I ended up being a Physical Education teacher.
“My first year was at Gawler High School and it was followed by four years at Siena College which is an all-girls school at Findon.
“One of my friends decided to apply for the police force and suggested I do as well.
“It is a funny thing as I was accepted but she was not.
“I underwent 12 months training at the Fort Largs Police Academy. Here I met a young man from Victoria, Rick Grimes, and we later married.
“After graduation, I spent six years at the Holden Hill police base.
“By this time, we were married and we went to the country for six years.
“Rick was based at Port Victoria while I worked at Kadina.
“We returned to Adelaide with our two sons Jonah and Finn and I worked in the Family Violence Unit.”
The four members of the Grimes family arrived in Millicent in 2005.
“We thought we would stay for a couple of years but we never left,” Carol said.
“It is a great place for kids and we bought our own house.
“All of us have enjoyed our time in Millicent.
“We have been involved in the coaching, playing and administration of the Millicent Football Netball Club.
“I was on the management committee of the Noorla Yo-Long youth camp at Rendelsham and both Rick and I were on the Millicent Catholic Parish
Pastoral Council.”
Carol stated that much of her police work was difficult.
“You are faced with many challenges and you have to be resilient,” she said.
“I am done with shift work.
“I think the average length of service for a female patrol officer is eight years and I have done almost 30.
“My career is coming full circle as I am returning to teaching. At first, I will do some relief teaching.
“I have secured my teacher registration and am undertaking some extra study in counselling and wellbeing.
“I now have a different set of skills and I will be looking to work with students at risk.”
For the past 12 years, Senior Sergeant First Class Rick Errington has worked alongside the retiring officer.
“We thank Carol for her contribution to the Millicent community and the State of South Australia,” Sgt Errington said.
“In particular, we acknowledge her dedication to families and vulnerable children.
“She takes that out into the community and with her sporting involvement.
“Whether on-duty or off-duty, Carol is always approachable.”
A replacement for Constable Grimes is expected from Adelaide in about a month.
