Senior Constable Ross "Rosco" O’Hagan, who worked his last day with police last month, was most recently court escort officer, responsible for transporting defendants from the cells at Dunedin Central Police Station, or from the Otago Corrections Facility, to court.
He had served as an escort officer since 2007 after spending 18 years as day watchhouse keeper at Dunedin Central Police Station, where he received offenders into custody and looked after people in the cells.
Otago coastal area commander Inspector Jason Guthrie paid tribute yesterday to the "very reliable and efficient" officer.
"Ross earned the respect of his colleagues, defendants, court staff, and the judiciary off the back of his professional and respectful approach to people."
Insp Guthrie said Snr Const O’Hagan had also been recognised as a national expert in prisoner fingerprinting.
Originally from Gore, Snr Const O’Hagan joined the police in 1977 as a 20-year-old. He started his career in Invercargill, followed by a stint back home in Gore, before transferring up to Dunedin in 1984.
The 60-year-old said he still enjoyed his work.
"And that’s the way I want to leave".
"I’d recommend the job to anybody. It’s been good to me."
However, the job had presented its share of challenges, including dealing with the aftermath of the Lindis Pass air crash, in which a pilot and five passengers were killed after attending the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow in 2000. As court escort officer he had witnessed the devastating effects of synthetic cannabis, and said he was pleased it had been banned.
"Some of the stuff people did on synthetic cannabis was terrible. People had no comprehension of what they had done."
Many of those who had worked alongside Snr Const O’Hagan spoke of his quiet and humble manner and ability to get on well with everyone, especially defendants. Senior Sergeant Brian Benn, of Dunedin, said his calmness and professionalism would be his legacy.
"Ross has a special skill of being able to calm stressed people and stressful situations. Every single person that passed through his care received respect and fair treatment."
Snr Const O’Hagan served his last day on duty on March 16. He plans to sell his house in Dunedin and shift full-time to Cromwell, where he owns another house. He was looking forward to spending more time with his kids (as well as his boat), but was typically reserved when asked if he had anything else in the pipeline.
"Just going to play it by ear," he said.
