A relaxed George Le Page as he presented his final annual report earlier this week. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 1005729)

POLICE chief George Le Page expects retirement to be a strange experience after 43 years in the force.

Mr Le Page, who officially retires at the end of August, left his desk for the last time yesterday.

‘Forty-three years in any profession is a long time and I will have to adjust to not being part of the organisation,’ he said.

‘The chief officer’s role is an all-consuming one and it will now give me time to devote to my family and hobbies.’

Married to Annette, the couple have three children, Andrea, Rachel and Ian, and two grandchildren, Francesca, 3, and Holly, 3 months.

Mr Le Page, 59, who has held every rank since joining the force as a cadet in 1967, said he could not have achieved what he had without the support of his family.

• Mr Le Page was appointed chief officer in September 2003. His successor, Patrick Rice, takes office on 17 August.
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