HUNTER COP TO CALL IT A DAY AFTER 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

The Hunter’s most senior police officer will retire today, calling time on a 40 year career.

Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell will march out of Newcastle Police Station to a guard of honour this afternoon.

Growing up in Charlestown, Assistant Commissioner Mitchell joined the force in 1981.

Since then he has climbed the ranks and will retire as commander of the Northern Region, which stretches from the Central Coast to Tweed Heads.

He was instrumental in the formation of the Transport Command and led a group of NSW officers on a mission to Christchurch after the deadly 2011 earthquake.

There will be changed traffic and parking conditions on Church Street, outside Newcastle Police Station, on Thursday while the retirement celebrations take place.

There will be a temporary pop-up police station for members of the public on Watt Street between 11am and 2.15pm.

More on Assistant Commissioner Mitchell’s career tonight.