Long serving Senior Constable Russell Morris has had his last shift at Howlong but if he thought he was going to slip away quietly, his boss had other ideas.

Senior Constable Morris began his career in Mount Druitt and has spent the majority of his 30-year career in Murray River Police District, particularly in the Howlong, Corowa and Mulwala.

Most recently he was the lock up keeper in Howlong.

Senior Constable Morris has been well regarded in Howlong and never too busy to stop and talk, which according to his boss, Sergeant Steve Marshall, is probably why he was always getting into trouble for his paperwork.

“For those in Howlong, Russell is a genuine country copper,” Sgt Marshall said.

“He is not a fan of the pomp and ceremony and wanted to just walk out the door and gently close this chapter behind him.”

But his team at Murray River Police District, particularly those from Corowa and Mulwala who know him best, knew there was something that would cap off his career like nothing else.

Senior Constable Morris is father to Constable Brooke Morris from Riverina Police District in Wagga Wagga.

Brooke started her career on Sgt Marshall’s team when he was stationed at Wagga Wagga.

“She introduced herself as ‘Brooke from Howlong. I’m a pig farmer’,” Sgt Marshall said.

“She would often speak of her father, the lock up keeper from Howlong.

“Later when I was transferred to Corowa Police Station, Russell would speak of his pride in Brooke becoming a police officer.”

Sgt Marshall reached out to Brooke Morris and a plan was hatched.

Brooke emailed her commander Superintendent Andrew Spliet from Riverina PD and Sgt Marshall emailed Superintendent Paul Smith from Murray River PD seeking approval for Brooke to work her father’s last shift with him.

Approval was given within 24 hours and with a little subterfuge with the rostering and some very tight lips, particularly in Corowa and Mulwala Police Stations, the plan was executed to perfection.

Brooke reported for duty at Howlong Police Station for her father Russell Morris’ last shift on August 30.

“In true Russell Morris style he later said in an email ‘thank you SOOOOOOOOOO much for organising for Brooke to do my final shift with me’,” Sgt Marshall said.

“We have lost a long time Murray River PD officer who was highly regarded by his peers, his supervisors and his community.

“I know he will be happy in his next chapter.

“I also know he took great pride in this job as he once said to me ‘30 years not wasted’.”

Thank you for your service, Senior Constable Russell Morris.

Deniliquin Pastoral Times Google News Panels

Sunday, 12th February 2023

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