Long-time Castlemaine policeman and well-respected community member Sergeant Peter Lukaitis hung up his hat and badge for the final time last Sunday.
But before Sgt Lukaitis signed off at the station for the last time he had the opportunity to spend one special day on the local beat with his daughter and newly graduated Victoria Police Constable Harriette Lukaitis.
Const Lukaitis graduated from the Victoria Police Academy in September and was appointed to the team at the Flemington Police Station.
However, arrangements were made to allow the young officer to spend one day in her old stomping ground at Castlemaine alongside her dad last Tuesday.
The pair told the Express it was lovely to have the opportunity to work together.
“It’s been a great experience for me and one that we both will treasure,” Const Lukaitis said.
Sgt Lukaitis said he couldn’t be more proud that his daughter had followed in his footsteps.
“One of my sons Tom also works in the public service in a support role to Victoria Police,” he said.
“Two out of four ain’t bad,” Const Lukaitis laughed.
Sgt Lukaitis also spent part of his early career in Flemington, as well as Fitzroy, Russell Street and Bright, before moving into the Criminal Investigation Bureau (now Criminal Investigation Unit) at Brunswick and other metro stations.
He transferred to Castlemaine CIB in 1994 and worked there for four years before a short return to Melbourne to undertake sergeant duties and then a stint in Bendigo.
It was there that Sgt Lukaitis and three colleagues were shot during the Kangaroo Flat Siege in 1999.
The officer, who was shot in the foot, later received a Victoria Police Valour Award and bravery award for his actions in risking his life to shield a fellow officer and help him to safety.
Sgt Lukaitis returned to the Castlemaine Station in 2001.
During his years in the region he has become an integral member of numerous community groups including serving on the Castlemaine Art Museum Board. He is still a serving member of the Buda Historic Home and Garden Board and has been a stalwart of the long-running Castlemaine Blue Light initiative.
Sgt Lukaitis said that through his role with Victoria Police he had the opportunity to meet a broad cross section of the community and had made many lasting friends.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of some wonderful people in the Country Fire Authority and Castlemaine State Emergency Service. They are all good people to work with, which makes our job a lot easier,” he said.
Sgt Lukaitis said he had enjoyed a wonderful career with Victoria Police and wished the same for his daughter.
“I have my reservations about retirement but I’ll still pop in from time to time and I will continue to do mediation work, which is something I am really passionate about.”
“He will keep the police cars clean!” Const Lukaitis laughed.
Sgt Lukaitis was farewelled with a special morning tea on Friday before officially signing off last Sunday.
