FORMER Ballarat police Inspector Gerry Rudkins has been remembered as an exceptional leader who always had the interest of Ballarat’s safety at heart.
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The Victoria Police inspector died yesterday morning after a long battle with cancer.
He died with his wife Kath, who is also a serving police officer, and family by his side.
Inspector Rudkins became inspector in Ballarat mid-way through 2009, a post he held for just over six months.
His was most recently posted at Bendigo, where he spent most of his career.
Ballarat police divisional superintendent Andrew Allen said he would almost always remember Inspector Rudkins as an inspirational leader.
He had known him for almost 30 years and was instrumental in Inspector Rudkins’ appointment in Ballarat.
“If you were to describe the term ‘lead by example’, then Gerry defined that perfectly,” Superintendent Allen said.
“Across the division he was highly respected and a very commendable police member. It was really good to become involved with him in Ballarat.”
Inspector Rudkins played a key role in introducing the Ballarat Liquor Accord and had a key focus on curbing late-night violence in the Ballarat CBD.
When he left his post as Ballarat inspector in January, 2010, he said he felt he had made improvements to safety in the city at night, but conceded there was a long road ahead. Superintendent Allen said his legacy would continue to live on.
“He was always committed to making Ballarat a safer place in relation to the entertainment precinct and there is no doubt he made a difference there,” Superintendent Allen said.
Inspector Rudkins was a member of Victoria Police for more than 30 years, working across several Victorian branches including Coburg, Broadmeadows, Sunshine, Bacchus Marsh, Castlemaine, Bendigo and Ballarat.
He was awarded Victoria’s first National Police Service Medal earlier this year.
