It was a bittersweet moment as Senior Constable Stephanie Vogler was piped out of the Gympie police station last week, surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and members of the Gympie community.
After 33 years of dedicated service as a Queensland Police Service (QPS) officer, Senior Constable Vogler, who turns 60 this May, retired from a career that has been defined by compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to her community.
Senior Constable Vogler served the Gympie community tirelessly and touched the lives of countless individuals, always committed to the well-being of others and helping guide them to make positive choices.
Senior Constable Vogler made an immeasurable impact, earning the trust and respect of her community and making a lasting difference in people's lives.
She said helping people get back on their feet, listening and providing counsel is what fulfilled her in her role.
Senior Constable Vogler was sworn in to the service in 1992, and very quickly worked to establish neighbourhood watches in Gympie and Nanango.
As a Women's Safety Officer, she conducted lectures on personal safety and participated in Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) educational events.
Senior Constable Vogler acknowledges that being a police officer will never just be a job title for her but it will remain a pivotal part of who she is.
"There are so many reasons I came back here every day and even though there are challenges, being able to help people through what can be the darkest time in their lives and see them come out the other side is so rewarding," Senior Constable Vogler said.
"For me it has always been about keeping my community safe and that starts with trust, listening, empathising and doing what I can show individual members that I care.
"I am incredibly grateful to the community in Gympie for their trust and openness with me."
Officer in Charge of Gympie police station, Senior Sergeant Dean Heyworth commended the work that Senior Constable Vogler has done within her community.
"Senior Constable Vogler has made such a positive impact, not only in the Gympie community but in the Service," Senior Sergeant Heyworth said.
"She is such a positive role model for new officers, and the mentoring she has provided to new members of our team means she will continue to make a difference in the community long after her retirement."
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As a police officer, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. Now really is the best time to join.
Visit PoliceRecruit.qld.gov.au to kickstart your policing career and make a positive impact in your community.
