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A welcome return to frontline policing is how the officer-in-charge at Warkworth Police describes his new role.
Sgt Dan McDermott replaces Sgt Mark Stallworthy, who moved to the North Shore last month.
While it might be a new position for Sgt McDermott, he is on very familiar turf. He grew up on a lifestyle block in the Dome, and attended Warkworth Primary and Mahurangi College. He worked for ITSS Engineering (then called MS Engineering) after leaving school, and then travelled for a while, before joining the force when he was 20.
“I remember coming into the station when Bede (Haughey) was in charge,” McDermott says. “I said I was interested in joining the police and they let me ride in the car a couple of times. It feels a little strange to think Bede’s old office is now my office.”
McDermott started his career in Orewa before working for a number of years as a detective in Auckland.
“Although it was interesting, I missed the frontline police work – interacting with people and working in a community. I’m looking forward to building on the strong relationships police already have in this area with groups such as Springboard and the business association.
“It will be particularly important to maintain these relationships as the area grows.”
Warkworth is the base for 15 frontline officers, community constable Hamish Buick, youth aid officer Katie Burton and watchhouse officer Celia Sowman.
“I hope when people see me on the street they say ‘g’day’. As I settle into the role, I want to be visible and I want to listen to local groups and residents so Mahurangi remains the great place that we all know it is.”
