Paul van Gemert
David HODGETT (Croydon) (09:44): I rise today to congratulate Senior Sergeant Paul van Gemert on his upcoming retirement after a very long and distinguished career of over 46 years in Victoria Police. Paul, along with his wife Andrea, who is also retiring from Victoria Police after nearly 40 years of service, will be the longest serving police couple with a combined total of 86-and-a-half years between them, an amazing achievement on many counts. Paul joined as a police cadet in February 1979 and has had the opportunity to contribute to the community in many ways over his career. He is the last remaining sworn member of the disbanded Victoria Police Military Band, which was the oldest continuous police band in the world. As the president of the police overseas service association, Paul has represented the many members of VicPol who have served overseas on peacekeeping or humanitarian missions with VicPol, the Australian Federal Police International Deployment Group or the ADF or who have otherwise served in the military.
Paul has also served overseas in Timor Leste and received many medals over the years of his distinguished service, including a National Emergency Medal for his significant contribution to protecting lives and property during the 2019–20 bushfires. This medal is in recognition of the dedication and courage shown during one of Victoria’s most devastating bushfires. I have known Paul for many years through his time at the Mooroolbark police station, and I have enjoyed our professional and personal interactions over the years. I wish him and Andrea every happiness for a long and adventurous retirement, as well as congratulating them both. I would like to thank them sincerely for their service to the community.