NSW Police Leading Senior Constable Grant Christensen has taken time out from traffic and highway duties to celebrate 40 years of service.
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The 2015 National Police Service Medal recipient was awarded the long service honour and a commemorative glass beer stein at Port Macquarie Police Station on July 2.
"There's been ups and downs but it's gone so quick," said Snr Cons Christensen.
"It's been good even though you see a lot of stuff you don't want to see. You just have to focus on what you're doing.
"Sometimes you take it on board a little bit but that's why it's important to have a good family and wife to talk to. Someone who listens and supports."
The journey began when he joined as a 19-year-old Southern Highlands mechanic.
His interest in policing was spurred by friends of the family who were serving officers and his lifetime love of cars.
He was stationed at Kings Cross, Darlinghurst, Dubbo, Nowra and Berry.
"When Australia won the 1983 America's Cup, people lined the streets when they brought the boat through Dubbo," he said.
"I went to Laurieton and was the officer-in-charge down there for 10 years.
"I've been back here for the last 13 years in Port Macquarie.
"It's a beautiful spot. Port Macquarie is a beautiful town and I tell people to come to relax, have a swim and take it easy."
His wife of 30 years, Helen, said he does an amazing job.
"Nothing affects him because when he comes home he talks about it and he can vent to get it out," said Mrs Christensen.
"He's seen some really horrific things over the years and you can't hide it because there's no other job like it.
"Grant is a really good person and he strongly feels a sense of doing the right thing."
Snr Cons Christensen said policing techniques had grown enormously during his 40 years in the job.
"Technology has just grown unbelievably," he said.
"Before you had to type the same report in a typewriter five times, now you type it in a computer with a push of a button.
"The number plate recognition and data terminals are helpful before we even stop a car to get a fair idea of who will be in it.
"If you're following a car that is a bit suspect, you can get a bit of backup before you stop them.
"I think people don't argue as much because we are on video and audio everywhere we go now, 99 per cent pull their heads in straight away.
"I don't know where it's going in the next 40 years because we have come so far. Can it get any better?"
