Dale Hennessey retires

Sergeant Dale Hennessey will retire in March this year after serving the community at the Caboolture PCYC for many years. Photo Vicki Wood / Caboolture News

Vicki Wood

A FAMILIAR and friendly face in the lives of many Caboolture children will soon be absent when Police Citizens Youth Club sergeant Dale Hennessey retires at the end of March.

Sgt Hennessey has been a fixture in the Caboolture district since he was first assigned as a general duties officer in 1976.

He said he had seen an enormous growth in people moving to the area as new suburban estates were opened.

After doing his time on the beat, Sgt Hennessey applied for the position of officer in charge of Caboolture PCYC where children from the local area were offered structured programs of activities.

"We've had plenty of success stories over the years when people have later come back and said what we offered really meant something to them," he said.

"The successes from our projects are particularly gratifying, like the young girl who joined the air force after we helped her through a justice course at TAFE and volunteering positions.

"Other things like young people who have had trouble fitting in, we help them find their feet in programs such as work for the dole.

"Our role at the PCYC is to be there to offer mentoring and be a friendly face for local youth and there are always little highlights along the way."

The young officer started his 40-year policing career in Caboolture after his family moved from Kalbar. He attended school at St Peters Catholic and Caboolture High.

While he has fond memories of his time in uniform, Sgt Hennessey wanted to thank his loving wife and family for their continued support.

Fortunately he will not be lost to the community as Hennessey's will continue to live locally in a community where many owe him their ongoing thanks and gratitude.