Late Nanango sergeant honoured in book

A book about the lives of police officers has been dedicated to former Nanango officer-in-charge Russell Wendt.

HONOURED: Former Nanango police officer Russel Wendt has been honoured in a new book. Picture: Facebook.

RUSSELL Wendt served the Nanango community as officer-in-charge of the police station from 1997 until he lost his battle with a brain tumour in 2010.

His wife Janelle, who works as an administrator officer at the station, said he was dedicated to his role from when he first joined the police force as a cadet aged 16.

“It is the life he always knew,” she said.

But beyond the service, she remembers her husband as a dedicated father and lover of sport.

“He was a wonderful father, he loved his exercise and was a swimmer as a kid.

“He loved walking, loved the South Sydney Rabbitohs and loved his heavy music,” she said.

Mrs Wendt said she believed it was important for the community to understand that while police officers were committed to their duty, they were just like everyday people, with passions and interests beyond their occupation.

The lives of police officers, both in uniform and in their private lives, are featured in the latest book by former assistant commissioner Laurie Pointing, titled Keeping the Peace Volume 3.

Mr Pointing has dedicated the book to Sen-Sgt Wendt.

“I just thought it would be one of many stories in the book,” Mrs Wendt said.

“It was a surprise that it was dedicated to him.”

Mr Pointing launched the book in Brisbane in the presence of current and former commissioners, politicians and high-ranking Queensland Police Service personnel.

An official presentation will be held at Nanango’s Ringsfield House from 10.30am on Friday, November 29.

It is the third book Mr Pointing has published since his retirement and Mrs Wendt said she would encourage all to pick up a copy.

“I think it is nice to see a human side of the police officers,” she said.

“They do have families and normal activities outside the officers they are.

“There is a lot of heartbreak in there as well about the things they have had to witness, and it is nice to get that side.”

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