Commander Lauchland Avery will officially turn in his badge on 13 December 2015 following a distinguished career spanning 36 years.

He joined the service in 1979 as a 19 year old. Commander Avery has served in the Western District for 5 years and is well respected both by officers in the district and the community he serves.

He’s part of the fabric of the north-west community; not only was he born and raised in the area, he’s served a total of 22 years in the district.

“Commander Avery’s extensive experience over almost four decades includes emergency management during floods in Latrobe, Forth and Penguin in 2009 and work with the State Security Unit and Internal Investigations,” said Commissioner of Police Darren Hine.

He has been commended on several occasions for his work and has been awarded the National Police Medal, the Commissioner’s Medal for Ethical and Diligent Service, the National Police Service Medal and the Australian Police Medal.

“Lauchie’s willingness and ability to embrace new ideas, his leadership skills and flexibility and stability under pressure have served him well as Commander of the Western District,” said Commissioner Hine.

Commander Avery intends to hang out the ‘gone fishin’ sign and devote more time to his family farm near Ulverstone.

“I thank Lauchie for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement,” said Commissioner Hine.