When Graham Jordan commits to something, you know it’s going to last.
Graham is an Invercargill community service legend. He began his duties as a volunteer patrolling Invercargill streets in 2004 as part of the ‘Safer Communities’ initiative, and carried on his work when Invercargill Community Patrol was set up in 2008. He remains a key member of the team to this day.
It’s definitely a long innings worth celebrating, which is exactly what Southland police did to mark Graham’s 20 years of service at their annual awards ceremony.
It was a great opportunity to acknowledge Graham’s work over the decades, with Commissioner Richard Chambers on hand to present a special Certificate of Appreciation.
This level of commitment is nothing new for Graham, the former sports coordinator and caretaker at Fernworth and St George schools in Invercargill where he managed to notch up 28 years.
But it’s something very special in terms of the relationship between New Zealand Police and Community Patrols New Zealand, a point shared by Southland Area Commander Mike Bowman.
“The relationship we have with our Community Patrol volunteers is so highly valued,” says Mike. “They have so much local knowledge and do so much to help everyone in our communities feel safer.”
“And when you have someone like Graham who has dedicated his time over the past 20 years, well that’s a real asset in helping Police deliver the service that our communities expect and deserve.”
Joining Community Patrol all those years ago on the recommendation of someone who thought he would be 'the ideal person for that sort of thing' was enough for Graham to get stuck in and never look back. He’s enjoyed the experience since day one, as well.
“I’ve got to know a lot more people since joining up,” says Graham, “and I’ve got to know the sort of things to look out for too.”
Receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the new Commissioner of Police was an unexpected highlight for Graham at the ceremony in December.
“The ceremony was really good and getting to meet the new big chief was pretty special.”
Graham was typically humble in accepting the award, noting how well Community Patrol and Police staff in Invercargill work together.
“The relationship between Community Patrol and Police has just got better and better over the years,” says Graham. “They know we’re there to help them out, and we have such good communication.
“We go in and have a cup of coffee in the middle of a night shift and talk with the officers, and raise any issues, and we have a Police Liaison Officer that we get to connect with too, and they’re very forthcoming.”
Graham continues his work with Community Patrol after his 20-year milestone and sees no end in sight. Which is lucky for Southland police, who can well and truly confirm Graham is indeed the ideal person for this sort of thing.