Geraldton police farewell Ron Pace after 49 years service with walk-off at police station with son by his side

It’s time for one long-serving country cop to kick off his boots and retire after 49 years working for WA Police, with the thin blue line in Geraldton standing side-by-side on Friday to send him off. Ron Pace has retired after almost five decades in the uniform, working across most districts, including 24 years in Mid West stations. Tears rolled down his family’s faces as he handed over his badge before Geraldton Police saluted and wished Sgt Pace well for his retirement before a walk-off was conducted outside the station. He leaves a powerful legacy, including his officer son Roly Pace, who works in Mullewa. Sgt Pace worked as a traffic officer on the front line, and while serving the community at work, he also served the community outside of work at church or in schools. “I tried to talk my son out of joining the job, or at least get a career before becoming a police officer which he did, he went and got qualifications and came back and said ‘right, I still want to be a cop’, so I’m proud of that,” Sgt Pace said. Assistant commissioner for regional WA Darryl Gaunt praised Sgt Pace’s sensational effort and commitment to the police life. “The diversity of where he served ... he’s been everywhere and all of those areas present really different challenges, but more importantly it’s not just the police officers but their family,” he said. “Country people are very genuine and far more committed and concerned about their communities which makes our job a lot easier because we get to see the human side.” Mid West-Gascoyne District Superintendent Steve Post said Sgt Pace was a stalwart in the district and well-known in the community. “Having someone work in the district for 24 years certaintly brings great continuity and commitment to the community,” he said. “Clearly he likes it here, as a lot of us do, the Mid West is a fantastic place to live and work.” Supt Post said Sgt Pace’s son was a testament to his love for the force, after joining 15 years ago. “There’s a bit of a dynasty in the Pace family of serving for the Mid West-Gascoyne district, we’re proud to have Ron as one of our own,” he said. Mullewa Sen. Const. Roly Pace said he was inspired by his father to join the police force and always wanted to be part of the police family. “I finally joined when I was 23 and I’ve loved it ever since,” he said. “He’s always been a big inspiration for me, he’s really passionate about his job and I’m really proud of him to have made 49 years and we’re even more happier that he’s finally retired and can spend some time with the family and the grandkids,” he said. “I remember him coming into school and doing talks — helping out with Constable Care and dressing up as Santa Claus and handing out presents.”