Tributes are paid to retiring Garda Chief
WEXFORD’S CHIEF Superintendent of the past ten years took the opportunity at yesterday (Monday’s) Joint Policing Committee meeting to express his thanks to those he had worked with ahead of his retirement at the end of March.
Chief Superintendent John Roche pointed out that it was his last JPC meeting as he was due to retire and he expressed his thanks to all those around the table, as well as past members of the committee for their support and dedication, saying they had worked well together. He thanked all council staff, and all councillors as well as community members and members of the press.
He acknowledged that sometimes committees like the JPC were seen as a mere talking shop and wondered if progress had been made.
‘I honestly think we have. The JPC is an opportunity for you to hold us accountable. We weren’t accountable for years and now we are. We got to discuss your problems and mine, and we had plenty of arguments that weren’t all sweetness and light. I was like a rabbit in the headlights with some councillors and, one day, I left the meeting with 63 questions to follow up on - it was worse than Mastermind!’
He stressed that the Gardai could not solve all of the problems that would be brought forward, believing that everyone had to work together. He added that over the years, particularly during the recession, he had had to make decisions that many around the table didn’t like but he remarked that it was an extremely difficult time. They had got through it and had put the community first but he acknowledged that mistakes were made. He felt that re-engaging with the public was very important.
‘We must now regain the confidence of the people. There has been a lot of controversey surrounding the Gardai and it’s not finished yet.’
Tributes were quickly forthcoming. JPC Chairman Cllr Michael Whelan wished Chief Supt Roche all the best, thanking him for his courteousness and assistance, and voicing his hope that they had assisted him. He commended him for his close to 40 years of service, noting that he had returned to Wexford in 2004 and been in the top job for the past ten years.
Cllr George Lawlor said he had dealt with Chief Supt Roche on numerous occasions and believed that JPCs had been made for people like John Roche who wanted to engage with the community. He also commended him on his determination when it came to securing a new station for the town. ‘I know how hard you worked to get this building and it is a testament to your dedication.’
Cllr Willie Fitzharris echoed the senti- ments of his colleagues, noting that Chief Supt Roche was fit and well going into his retirement while Cllr Ger Carthy remarked that they had been fortunate to have ‘one of our own’ and someone of the Chief Supt’s calibre in the role.
Cllr Davy Hynes echoed the congratulations for the new building, pointing out that it had been a long time coming. Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan said she had found the Chief Supt very easy to work with and said he had great calibre and showed great leadership.
Declan McPartlin commended that Chief Supt for being the first he knew to admit that they were lacking in resources. He added that he disagreed with the current policy of taking someone like Chief Supt Roche and his level of experience out of the service.
Cllr Barbara Anne Murphy said they were lucky to have had a Wexford man at the helm, joking that she would probably have to tell someone where Bunclody was at the next meeting! She wished him well in his retirement.
Cllr Robbie Ireton thanked him for his time and dedication and Cllr Anthony Connick echoed this, saying the Chief Supt had provided a great service to the people of Wexford for years.
Finally, council CEO Tom Enright commended the fantastic leadership, professionalism and compassion shown by Chief Supt Roche, pointing out that the council had worked hand-in-hand with the Gardai on an almost daily basis. He believed the JPC would not have been as effective with him and said he was leaving policing in a very strong position.
‘In the last four years I’ve seen that fantastic work that you’ve done and you’ll be hugely missed. I wish you a long and happy retirement.’