Top cop and fundraiser retires

2011 Bay of Plenty Times Person of the Year and Pride of New Zealand Awards regional Fundraiser of the Year Pete Blackwell is retiring from the police force after 38 years. Photo / File

After almost four decades in the police force veteran Bay cop Pete Blackwell is hanging up his handcuffs for the final time.

The seasoned detective sergeant has notched up 38 years' service, with 30 years working in the Western Bay of Plenty region, having joined the force as a fresh-faced, 17-year-old school leaver.

"I'm extremely proud to have served my time both in Auckland for seven years and the rest in the Western Bay of Plenty, including 27 years of those years in the Criminal Investigation Bureau."

Mr Blackwell said he doesn't have any firm plans but after a rare chance to take an extended break over Christmas-New Year he had the chance to reflect on his future, and had decided the time was right for him to take early retirement. His last day on the job is February 28.

Mr Blackwell said he wanted to thank the thousands of police and members of the community he has worked with for all the "good times", especially those who had supported the many charitable causes which were dear to his heart.

Mr Blackwell was the Bay of Plenty Times Person of the Year in 2011, largely in recognition of his 20 years as lead organiser of the annual Tauranga Police CIB charity auction, spending thousands of unpaid hours organising the event.

From its humble start in Bureta Park in 1995 when a group of police detectives raised $200, an impressive $420,000 was raised at last year's auction.

Over the past 20 years, $2.3 million had been raised with more than 40 local charities benefiting. With $100,000 invested in an endowment fund with the Acorn Foundation, $4000 is distributed every year continuously.

Last year Mr Blackwell was named the Tauranga-Fundraiser of the Year in the regional Pride of New Zealand Awards.

Exceptional investigative skills and his guidance to other officers saw Mr Blackwell awarded a QSM for services to New Zealand police in 2007.

Mr Blackwell said there were many standout cases during his career including many he wished he could forget.

"I have seen the worst of society but I have also seen the best of society. Not many people get to see the anger and violence and the living environment some families chose to live in and attempt to raise their children."

His charitable works were an outlet to help him manage the stresses of police work, he said.

"It's important to get away from the bad stuff and not live and breathe it 24-7, as it helps you to cope and deal with it. One of the big things for me is my belief in doing good things and mixing with good quality people and I will continue to do so.

"I think being a police officer is a very unique career as you get to work closely with some very special people both within police and the community, who are dedicated and passionate about delivering good results to prevent many unnecessary crimes, and reduce people's suffering."

Mr Blackwell said it was now time to take some "me" time and spend more time with his family.

"It's now time to take a breath. I have enjoyed my time in the police and I'm looking forward to the new challenges ahead."