GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — On Thursday, May 11, members of the Graaff-Reinet police cluster, SAPS officials, friends and family gathered together to give Brigadier Andries Trollip a well-deserved send off as he leaves for retirement.

The event held at Profcon was beautifully arranged to celebrate the career and lifetime of dedication of Brigadier Trollip, affectionately known as Brig Dries or Brigadier AJ.

The day was a particularly auspicious one as the Brigadier also celebrated another milestone, his 60th birthday.

Colleagues and high ranking SAPS officials all attended the gathering conveying many thanks and well wishes.

Multiple speakers applauded the Brigadier for his 43-year long service to the country and the exemplary manner in which he has transformed the stations and communities in which he has served in an over four-decade long career.

Having joined the SAPS at just 16-years-old, the Brigadier has earned the respect and appreciation of many a friend and colleague over his extensive service at the SAPS organisation.

Colleagues and friends described the Brigadier as a dedicated officer, father, husband and sportsman, having completed various marathons including the Two Oceans and Comrades marathon.

Provincial Police Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Liziwe Ntshinga commended Brig Trollip for his passion, courage and discipline and regarded his career as one which should serve as motivation for all junior constables to work towards.

The Brigadier also took to the podium to give his farewell speech.

In his speech, the Brigadier thanked his wife Retha and family for their unfailing support and also thanked various colleagues for their contributions, support and friendship throughout his career.

He also shared that in all 43 years in the organisation, he has not once regretted his career at the SAPS, going on to say that this has been more than just a career and that it was in fact, for him, a way of life.

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