Peter Comte was born and raised in Seymour.
As a young kid, he dreamed of serving the community as a police officer.
“I’ve always wanted to be a policeman since I was five years of age,” he said.
“It’s all I ever wanted to do.”
He said he knew many people in the community, so locals turning to him for help was a memorable and meaningful experience.
He was a cop in Melbourne after he graduated from the police academy, then eventually moved back to Seymour.
“Working as a cop in Melbourne, you just deal with the situation and move on,” he said.
“It’s a bit different in the country.”
He said being a police officer in the country allowed him to get to know the people more.
Mr Comte served the town for 35 years, taking over different roles, such as a police officer, a prosecutor and a volunteer.
He served in Victoria Police with his older and younger brother, who passed away 10 years ago from a brain tumour.
Peter decided it was time to hang his hat but said he would continue serving the community.
“It’s always a unique situation to be able to help people,” he said.
He said the most significant change was getting used to the idea that he’s just a part of the community now.
“When you first start the job, you have that authority invested in (you) through legislation,” he said.
He said volunteering for the CFA with his wife helped him transition from working as a police officer to being a part of the community.
Peter’s wife, Kylie Comte, expressed her gratitude for and pride in her husband’s service to the community.
“I’m extremely proud to share life and this journey with him,” she said.
“He’s someone I definitely look up to.”
Peter’s last day with the police force will be Thursday, October 12, and he said he looked forward to his new phase in life.
“I’ve got a few other irons in the fire,” Mr Comte said.
These include helping Kylie run her business, volunteering with the CFA and the RSL, and building his guitar.
Mr Comte said he looked forward to doing other things to continue contributing to the community.