A CAREER in the NSW Police Force was always the plan for Steve Clarke.
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He began his career as a probationary constable at Scone in 1988.
On Monday, he returned to the area as the Superintendent Local Area Commander at Hunter Valley Local Area Command (LAC).
Superintendent Clarke has enjoyed moving to a number of locations throughout his career.
He left the Upper Hunter for Inverell in 1992, before moving to Lismore in 2005.
He then transferred to Port Macquarie in 2009, his most recent home before his latest position at Muswellbrook.
From the responsibility that comes with the job, to the ability to help people, Superintendent Clarke said he loves everything about it.
“I think it’s the world’s best job,” he said.
“I like the variety – from a work perspective, no two days are the same.”
Superintendent Clarke said he felt the command had good support from the community.
Now that he has made Muswellbrook his home, he is keen to be as community-minded as he can.
“I live here, I want to be a part of it,” he said.
“This is my community.
“I think it’s important as a commander and police officer to be a part of the community.”
With this approach to his new town, the policeman has already joined cross-fit and touch football, and has accepted invitations to social functions.
His favourite leisure activities include fishing and surfing; and, if you see him walking around town, feel free to say hello.
Mr Clarke said his aim going forward was to build on what was already in place.
He said Hunter Valley LAC was a good team, and praised the efforts of Acting Superintendent Guy Guiana and the group to make the command all it had become.
“My first goal is just to establish myself into the role and do my best for the community,” he said.
“I am really excited to be here – glad to be back where I started.”
He said he had friends in the area from earlier days and was looking forward to catching up with them.
He even started his career with some of the local officers – Chris Dengate and Libby Pittman.
The Hunter Valley LAC includes 13 stations, and is geographically the largest in the Northern Region.