Sergeant Martin Bull (41) finishes up today and returns next week to his home town of Otaki, on the Kapiti Coast above Wellington, to serve in nearby Levin.
Sgt Bull laughed yesterday as he recalled a highlight of his time in Balclutha. Several years ago, police used to organise a Dunk-A-Cop stand in the South Otago A & P Show, which soon became one of the most popular displays. Police officers took turns walking the plank as bystanders tried to drop officers into a large skip of water.
One year, some bystanders and officers alike got a little more than they had bargained for. After a few dunkings, the water level tended to drop, and a fire hose was used to top up the skip.
One police officer turned the hose on while the other aimed it at the skip.
"He must have turned the pressure up too high and the hose reared up and the other officer couldn't control it, so water went everywhere. We had a sausage sizzle stand nearby and two American tourists with a nice digital camera were standing in line - they got drenched."
"I was laughing so hard I had to hold on to the plank so I wouldn't fall in," Sgt Bull said.
The Dunk-A-Cop stand has not featured at the South Otago A & P Show for a few years.
Sgt Bull begins his new role as family violence co-ordinator stationed in Levin on November 21.
"I'll definitely miss the people. Balclutha is a lovely town; it's got everything you need.
"A big thanks to everyone in South Otago for putting up with me," he said.
Senior Sergeant Richard Whitmore said Sgt Bull had made a significant contribution to policing in the South Otago area.
He said the vacancy was being advertised internally within the New Zealand Police. He expected it would be filled in the next four to six weeks.
Senior Constable Murray Hewitson, of Owaka, would fill the role until someone was appointed.
