Knox police Senior Sergeant John Hess, Wantirna South’s top cop is retiring after 47 years on force
He’s seen shootings, murders and was walking the Lygon St beat when the Carlton Crew were out in force. He’s also been an inspiration to hundreds of younger officers in his role as one of Knox’s top cops. Now it’s time for a well-earned break.
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After almost 50 years fighting crime and catching crooks, one of Knox’s top cop is calling it a day.
Senior Sergeant John Hess has seen it in all during his 47 years in the job. Starting as a rookie in 1973, he ends his impressive career held in high esteem by his fellow officers.
At 63, Sen-Sgt Hess said he plans to take a year’s long service leave before slipping into retirement in 2021.
“I am looking forward to becoming a grandparent in three weeks,” he said.
His career includes policing the streets during the Carlton Crew years, running the Nunawading Blue Light Disco, and inspiring hundreds of officers through his leadership at Knox police station.
“It was always good fighting crime and catching good crooks,” Sen-Sgt Hess said.
“Back then if you caught someone it was a fair cop. Now it’s a bit different.”
He said crooks had become more violent toward police and there was an attitude of “it’s someone else’s fault”.
“They’ll spit at you, fight you, kick you — it’s a lot more violent that it once way,” he said.
From the academy in St Kilda Rd, Sen-Sgt Hess then spent time at the old station in Russell St, he ran the Nunawading Blue Light Disco during the late 1970s and early 80s, managed the original PSOs at Melbourne’s courts, was part of the eastern crime squad, was head sergeant in Cartlon, and helped bring in a new era of policing in Victoria.
“I’ve attended numerous shootings, murders and unfortunately many suicides from the public housing flats — happened far too often in those days,” Sen-Sgt Hess said.
“I was the district training officer during Project Beacon, during the time when there was too many police shootings and there was a change in culture in the force.”
Holding the rank of Senior Sergeant for the past 30 years, 23 of those have been managing his huge team of officers in Wantirna South.
Senior Sergeant Vin Butera, who will be stepping into the top Knox role, said Sen-Sgt Hess has been a positive and driving force at the station.
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“In that time hundreds of offices have been positively influenced by John and gone on to have great careers and promotions,” Sen-Sgt Butera said.
“Twenty three years is an incredible achievement and the police station is a supportive and inclusive one because of his influence.
“He’s worked hard and is due for a good break.”