The Crime Scene Services at Shepparton Police Station has only ever had one sergeant.
And recently, that one man was acknowledged for more than 40 years’ service with Victoria Police.
Sgt Ross Normington moved into the Crime Scene Services division in 2006, becoming the first and only sergeant of the division, which had initially started as a pilot program two years earlier.
He remained in the role until he started his retirement process recently.
He has worked his last day on the job, and is now on 16 months’ long service leave before he officially retires.
Sgt Normington said he had stayed in the one section for so long because he enjoyed his job.
The best parts were working with his colleagues and learning skills to do with the forensic side of things, he said.
Sgt Normington said much had changed in forensics since he started in the role, with the use of DNA especially advancing.
He said for officers in his division, there had been changes with the way they went about collecting DNA and the way they lodged exhibits with the State Forensic Science Centre.
The advancements in technology over the years had also meant more offenders were being caught for crimes they had committed.
While he has spent a substantial chunk of his policing career in the Crime Scene Services unit, this is not the only area Sgt Normington has worked in during his policing career, which spans 43 years and two months.
He started as a police cadet as a 17-year-old in 1980.
He then graduated from the Police Academy in 1981and has worked his way up the ranks ever since.
His career included stints at D24, Flemington and Keilor Downs stations in Melbourne, as well as stints in both Kyabram and Shepparton.
Sgt Normington was recently awarded a 40-year award for service to Victoria Police — albeit a few years late — at a special ceremony at Shepparton Police Station.
In presenting the recognition award, Shepparton police Inspector Ash Mason said one of Sgt Normington’s true strengths was his leadership.
“You are such a highly regarded and respected member over all these years,” Insp Mason said.
Sgt Normington said he enjoyed his time with Victoria Police.
“It’s gone so quickly,” he said.
“I’ve enjoyed the time from start to finish.
“I’ve met so many good people along the way that are so committed to Victoria Police and the whole of Victoria.”
Sgt Normington was pleased to receive his acknowledgement from Victoria Police.
“I’m very humbled to have received recognition for what’s been my job and something I’ve enjoyed all the way through,” he said.
Having worked shift work for more than 40 years, Sgt Normington is looking forward to his long service leave and then his retirement.
He has already ordered a car and a caravan and plans to do plenty of travelling, and is looking forward to spending time with his children and grandchildren in both Victoria and Queensland.