BALANCING crime fighting and the school run is all in a day’s work for Rebecca and Scott Olsen, but Wimmera’s policing pair are packing up for a new challenge.
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Horsham’s local area commander and highest ranking female officer Inspector Rebecca Olsen and husband Halls Gap Sergeant Scott Olsen are returning to Mildura where Inspector Olsen has accepted a Superintendent role.
“I’m very proud of her,” Sergeant Olsen said. “I’m thrilled she’s been selected – it’s a very competitive field at that rank and a credit to her as well as the support of local management.”
Inspector Olsen said she was sad to say goodbye to the region.
“I have loved every minute of it, when you work with communities like we have across the Wimmera your job is easy,” she said.
“I have met some amazing people doing amazing things.
“Moving families is difficult, but my family has been made to feel so welcome here which is a great comfort for me.”
Take a look at some of the pair’s work
Inspector Olsen was particularly proud of the diversity across Horsham and Wimmera police.
“I don’t think that I have ever worked with such capable women that I have in my current role,” Inspector Olsen said.
“What is it about Wimmera women they achieve amazing things with the appearance of it being all in a day’s work?
“The increased number of women in policing roles across regional areas is something the Wimmera should be proud of – showcasing unprecedented acceptance from our communities.
“Our policing teams need to reflect our communities in terms of diversity, and women working remotely are truly making a difference, I see it every day.”
Throughout their time in the Wimmera the pair raised their three children aged 16, 13 and 8 in Halls Gap, where Sergeant Olsen is based.
Inspector and Sergeant Olsen said policing and living in small communities was a unique experience.
“Having worked and lived in small communities for many years now with my family I understand what ‘living life in a fish bowl’ truly means,” Inspector Olsen said.
“It is so rewarding but can also break your heart at the same time.”
Sergeant Olsen said the Halls Gap community had provided sound support to the couple.
“We’ve lived among good people who have made us feel very welcome,” he said.
“We’ll miss that very much. I’d like to thank everyone, we’ve had a close relationship with the community here and made great friends we will miss dearly.
“And we’ve had a great relationship with emergency services.”