A lifetime of policing for  Detective Superintendent Jim Migro

 

 

 

 

He has spent the past 54 years of his life dedicated to the WA Police Force, climbing the ranks, serving his community and following a childhood dream.

 

Recently, the devoted officer called time on his distinguished career and hung up his hat and badge for the final time. 

 

Jim – who began his career as a 17-year-old police cadet in 1968 – officially retired from the force on October 18 after 53 years and 10 months of service and was marched off the WA Police Academy parade ground at October’s Recruit Graduation. 

 

Jim retired after more than five decades donning the blue; making him the longest-serving police officer in Western Australia. 

 

The 71 year-old told Police News that, after a lifetime in the job, it became his second home, and one he wanted to join since he was young boy. 

 

“It’s just a great job, it truly is, and it has been my home and my family for the past 53 years,” he said. 

 

“When I was a young boy – many years ago now – I used to watch an old show called Homicide on the telly and since then I always wanted to be detective – as long as I can remember that’s what I always wanted to do.” 

 

And that’s exactly what he did becoming a detective in 1975 a few years after his graduation. After his training at the then Maylands Police Academy, Jim initially served at Fremantle and Palmyra Police stations before entering the Criminal Investigation Branch working in Perth and Fremantle CIB offices, Organised Crime and Homicide Squad. 

 

He said that the majority of his service was conducted in the Perth metro area. 

 

“People often laugh at me when I say this but my “country service” consisted of about four weeks relieving in Pinjarra in 1972 and around four weeks in Mandurah CIB in 1988. In 2007, I was also the Regional WA Co-Ordinator… but it was based in Perth!” he laughed. 

 

He was promoted to the rank of superintendent in 2002. In 2007 he was awarded the Australian Police Medal for distinguished service following his instrumental role in ensuring the successful outcomes of a number of high-profile 

operational taskforces. He is also known for his exemplary work in the field of drug and alcohol coordination, research and education at both the state and National Level. 

 

Jim said his highlight over his career was simple – it was the job itself. 

 

“Just the general concept of policing I loved, that was my highlight and that’s why I stayed for so long,” he said. 

 

“That and the great people I worked with.” 

 

“I particularly loved being a suburban detective, especially at the Fremantle CIB. The beauty of being a suburban detective was that you just got to do a bit of everything.” 

 

“Each day bought something new – there was always something to investigate or something to solve.” 

 

He said that he also loved his work in the Drug, Organised Crime and Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Crime units. 

 

So how would a retired superintendent of nearly 54 years sum up the job of policing? 

 

 

“For me policing was fun. I never had a bad job in my career. Sure, some were better than others, but I never had such a bad job or a bad experience that made me want to leave. I always wanted to be policeman and I was for almost 54 years – and I loved every moment.” 

 

“When I first joined, I always thought that I would be the Police Commissioner someday, but as the years went on, I was very happy to be a Superintendent and not the commissioner and not have to be too involved in all the politics.”

Jim’s advice to those wanting the join the ranks and don the blue was to go for it.

 

“Policing will offer you a variety of different options, something new each day,” he said. 

 

“The one big thing is – you never know what you’re going to get – when you go to work it’s never the same.” 

 

“One thing that I’ll miss for sure is the comradery, it really is one big blue family and that was present throughout my career. I have made and kept a lot of true, long-life friends throughout my career.” 

 

“That type of esprit de corps is vitally important for this career.” 

 

WA Police Force Commissioner Col Blanch wished Jim well in his retirement. 

 

“Jim Migro started his career as a police officer before I was born, and I had the privilege of presiding over his march-off during the October recruit graduation,” he said. 

 

“I know Jim loved his career as a police officer and he brought energy to the workplace every day he went to work. He is a respected leader that has mentored police officers across our State for over five decades.” 

 

“I thank him for his service to our community and wish him the best in his well-earned retirement.” 

 

WA Police Union President Mick Kelly said a career and union membership spanning over five decades was truly something to be proud of. 

 

“Jim’s career is a massive accomplishment. Our police force is lucky to have a devoted and passionate officer such as himself for so long,” he said. 

 

“He has truly earnt his retirement and we wish him all the best and look forward to still providing him our union benefits.”

 

Jim says retirement for him is freedom and simply just enjoying life. 

 

“I’m a Fremantle boy through and through and will continue to barrack for my beloved Fremantle Dockers.”