Life has come full circle for Logan Assistant Commissioner Maurice Carless, who was partnered with his son for his final operational shift with Queensland police.
Asst Commissioner Carless finished his career the way he started it – patrolling the streets of Woodridge.
Only this time, he was 37 years older.
His son, plain clothes senior constable Nicholas Carless, joined him on his final mission.
“I really looked forward to this day and completing this last shift with my son, Nick,” Asst Commissioner Carless said.
He said he was apprehensive about his son joining the police force, but his fear was ultimately “offset with enormous pride”.
Asst Commissioner Carless said his job had often taken him away from his family.
“[Nick] had to make sacrifices as a kid – I wasn’t there all the time and I knew that would be the same for him,” he said.
“He has flourished in that environment, and I wish him all the best.”
Asst Commissioner Carless said he was itching to get back and give to the community after years spent on the executive side of policing.
“For me, it gave an opportunity to get back to the core of policing, which is first response and responding to community needs,” he said.
Asst Commissioner Carless has a varied and extensive resume with work experience in Townsville, Cairns and overseas.
He has worked as a general duties officer, in criminal investigation, crime and corruption and child protection.
“It’s been a fantastic career,” Asst Commissioner Carless said.
“There are probably some days I wouldn’t want to do again but… the highlights are too many to mention.”
He said one highlight was knowing the impact he had on people.
“You’ve got the greatest opportunity to make the biggest influence,” he said.
But post policing, Asst Commissioner Carless has big plans for the future and is hoping to travel with his wife.
“I’m not so sure she’s excited to be spending all that time with me,” he said
“I’m looking forward to seeing more of my kids… and my grandson as well.”
Asst Commissioner Carless reminisced about the Woodridge community in 1986, including getting egged by local kids, getting his cap stolen by a woman on a motorbike, and the resulting ridicule he received from his colleagues.
He also noted the changes in the community, like the new and renovated buildings.
“The traffic has increased significantly,” he said.
Asst Commissioner Carless, although excited for the future, said he would miss the force.
“The people have been fantastic – my colleagues, the mentors, the leaders I’ve had over the years, and there are some funny things over the years that I’ll miss,” he said.
“I think there comes a time when you need young people to do the job.”
He and his son agreed it was time to pass the torch to the next generation, with a hope he left the community in a better state than it was.
