John Moloney spent 38 years dealing with the worst of society. Everything from car crashes, to violent assaults and even sometimes being called upon to tell someone their loved one had died.
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And the former Ballarat-based Sergeant did it in a way as kind and as empathetic as he could.
But now, long retired from the force, he knows how having more time to reflect, can see the memories of bad situations he has seen come flooding back.
That's why he is delighted Victoria Police is now finding a way to support retired officers who are dealing with mental ill health after leaving the force with the introduction of a new card offering support, particularly those dealing with mental health issues.
"It's lovely, because a lot of people have put a lot of time in for their life to look after society and the community," Mr Moloney said.
"These days we are learning to appreciate that it's a hard job, it can be a sad job, but people put their heart and soul to look after everyone."
Mr Moloney said when you work a day-to-day position in the force everyone has their own way of dealing with tragedy.
"While you're still a policeman you have people to look after, you have situations you go to and you're always trying to make sure it's a good outcome for everyone else," he said
"You don't necessarily think about what's happened. But once you sit down and are retired, sometimes it effects you.
"I go past a flat everyday and I can remember everything about an incident that happened. We're no different from everyone else, you do start thinking about things."
To Victoria Police's credit, they are confronting issues head on. They might not have got it right in the past, now they're doing something about it.
- John Moloney
He said if the new card could help just one person find help, it was worth it. "It can be a safety net for people in their lives, for those not travelling well, it offers them a chance to get good professional help," he said.
"In the old days you would let things sit, which creates its own problems.
"To Victoria Police's credit, they are confronting issues head on. They might not have got it right in the past, now they're doing something about it. It's lovely for those in a dark corner, it might be the key to the door to unlock a better world. We all deserve a nice retirement."
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