Les Nugent still going strong in Albury police force after 50 years

Senior Sergeant Les Nugent quietly celebrated the milestone on Monday, with coronavirus restrictions preventing a ceremony from being held.

It's so rare for police to work in the job for 50 years, the department that issues medals had to have one specially made.

Senior Sergeant Nugent has spent half of his career in Albury, having moved to the area in 1996.

He became a constable in Redfern on September 20, 1971, and worked in areas including Sydney, Gundagai, Tamworth, and Goulburn before settling in Albury.

He has had various roles including traffic policing and now works on preventing and disrupting crime.

"I enjoy getting out," the great-grandfather said.

"You've got to back up your mates out on the road.

"If a community member needs assistance, I'm available."

Superintendent Paul Smith said it was impressive the senior sergeant was still a fully operational officer.

"He's also a role model for all the other troops in the Murray River Police District and further afield," he said.

"What tremendous service he's given to the people of NSW.

"On behalf of all of your colleagues, we thank you for your service Les."

Senior Sergeant Nugent joined the police force aged 19, knowing nothing of what the job involved.

Things in the 1970s were harder, he said, with people more combative.

"They were hard yards," he said.

"The job has progressed with society, which is completely different to the 1970s."

Specialist units have been introduced, technology has changed and there's more of a focus on proactive policing.

"I've seen a lot of things in the job," Senior Sergeant Nugent said.

"A lot of things stick.

"But most of all it's about the comradeship between police officers and backing each other up, and helping out the community."

Superintendent Smith said he was believed to be the first person in the region to reach the milestone, which isn't expected to be reached again for a long time.

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Meanwhile Myrtleford Sergeant Paul Evans will officially leave the job on Tuesday after 43 years.

Despite battling PTSD for more than 30 years as a result of things he has seen, including a violent incident which nearly claimed his life, it's been a job he's loved.

"It's been my life," he said.

"It's been my passion since I was about 13 when I decided I wanted to get into the police force.

"I thank the community for their support during my time in Myrtleford."

Sergeant Evans has spoken extensively about his time in the force for a story in Saturday's Border Mail.

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