Max Goodger has been rewarded for his dedication after five years of volunteering at Griffith Police Station.
Max Goodger has been rewarded for his dedication after five years of volunteering at Griffith Police Station.
WHEN Max Goodger retired six years ago, instead of finding himself at a loose end, he became a VIP.
Volunteer in policing, that is.
Now with more than 750 hours under his belt, Mr Goodger was handed a medal of achievement at a special ceremony this week.
The badge was awarded by local area commander Superintendent Michael Rowan.
VIPs are crucial behind the scenes, completing menial tasks to free up police for other duties.
Mr Goodger said over the years, he has spent many hours filing, photocopying, binding and entering data.
He also completes "car park audits" to find cars that are unlocked or have valuables in clear view, with letters sent to inform the vehicle owners.
While he usually works one day a week, during the floods last year Mr Goodger was at the station every day, cooking lunch for all the extra police who were part of the emergency response.
He also delivers supplies to police who are involved in time-consuming operations and spent two years compiling contact numbers for every business in the region, in case of break-ins.
"It saves the police so much work and any day they can call me in," Mr Goodger said.
"I like helping people, it's really satisfying and they're great people to help."
Griffith Police Inspector Stuart Gair said volunteers such as Mr Goodger could never be thanked enough for the work they did around the station.
"They assist us greatly and give up their time for the greater good," Inspector Gair said.
"Max's dedication and commitment are second to none."
Mr Goodger's dedication and service will also be recognised at an official awards ceremony to be held later in the year.
