Top cop farewells town

After five years serving as the officer-in-charge at the Margaret River Police Station, Sergeant Brett Cassidy is moving.

Sgt Cassidy graduated in 1990 and his service of nearly 30 years has seen him work across many regional towns.

Last week, Sgt Cassidy and fellow officer Senior Constable Ian Southall were recognised for their roles as “first responders” to May’s tragic Osmington murder-suicide.

The officers were first at the confronting scene and, on Friday, received the Commissioner’s Medal for Excellence at a ceremony in Joondalup.

Sgt Cassidy said the incident was a significant event in his career.

“I feel extremely honoured to have achieved this award with it held in high esteem within the WA Police history,” he said.

“Although the reason we achieved it was not ideal, in that no one wants to see a scene like what we were confronted with, I was proud to have shared the day with my family, friends and district superintendent Mick Sutherland, who has had a profound influence on my career.”

Sgt Cassidy said overseeing officers in his team reach career aspirations was an achievement for them and himself.

“Knowing in some way I have contributed to this is a highlight,” he said.

Sgt Cassidy’s outgoing message was to thank the community for their support in giving information on drug dealers.

“I am proud that since I have been here ... at least one to two dealers a year are taken off the streets,” he said.

Sgt Cassidy thanked his team at the Margaret River station for wanting to make the community “safe, now and into the future”.

“Please support them and the new officer in charge,” he said.

He will be replaced by former homicide detective Sgt Luke Fowler.

Sgt Cassidy will take up the position of officer-in-charge at Dongara Police Station next month.