A POLICE officer who has served the Fort Beaufort and surrounding communities with dedication for the past 11 years, has started the new year at another station in the Eastern Cape.
Warrant officer, Bradley Rawlinson (52), has kicked off the new year with the title of ‘Captain’ behind his name. He is the new media communications officer for Graaff Reinet.
Speaking to Rawlinson before he left Fort Beaufort, he excitedly told Mid-Karoo Express that he was looking forward to his new job, but was sad to leave Fort Beaufort and bid his circle of friends, as well as colleagues, farewell.
“I have lots of fond memories of this town and its people and will surely miss them,” said Rawlinson.
He took up his new post on January 1. Rawlinson, who was a talented rugby player at his high school as well as at provincial level, joined the police in order to further his rugby dreams, but things did not work out the way he had originally planned.
His first appointment in 1986 was in East London where he worked as constable in the police for many years.
In 1998 he was promoted to sergeant and was stationed at the Kabega Park police station in Port Elizabeth. He came to Fort Beaufort in 1997 under the title of warrant officer. Here he also served as acting communications officer for a short period of time.
During his time of service in Fort Beaufort, Rawlinson established himself as a law enforcement officer of integrity. He delivered talks on drugs, child and women abuse at a multitude of schools and was lovingly referred to as “Malume” by all the communities he served.
Rawlinson, who is married but has no children, is currently living with his wife and mother, as well as his spouse’s parents.
“I see my new job as a challenge and would like to serve my new community with dedication and dignity,” Rawlinson concluded.
