KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Community Police Forum (CPF) and Knysna Mayor Elrick van Aswegen have expressed their gratitude when they bid farewell to Constable Edward Blouw, a police reservist who retired after 15 years of service last week.

Blouw, fondly known as Eddie, dedicated all these years to serving and protecting the people of greater Knysna, without receiving any payment.

He was honoured during an intimate farewell ceremony by Knysna police, Knysna CPF, and the Knysna Municipality on Thursday 3 June.

Blouw was awarded two medals by the Knysna police station commander, Colonel Francois de Wet, in acknowledgement of his outstanding contribution and many years of volunteer service.

Van Aswegen said it is thanks to police officers like Blouw who are willing to sacrifice their lives for other people, that those people can sleep soundly in their beds at night.

"His situation is exceptional; only his passion sustained him all these years," said Van Aswegen.

"You are an officer of the highest calibre and one of our very best," he told Blouw. "Thank you for following your calling. May you continue to inspire the citizens of the town. Thank you for protecting and serving our community and children for all these years."

A visibly emotional Blouw said his decision to join the police as a reservist was influenced by passion. "It was never about money," he said.

In his retirement, Blouw has become an honorary Knysna Neighbourhood Watch member.

Knysna CPF chair Cheryl Britz thanked Blouw for his dedication and commitment to serving the community of Knysna.

Knysna residents also took to social media with messages thanking Blouw for his dedication and sacrifice for Knysna.

Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie was to issue a statement regarding Blouw's retirement on Friday, but by the time of going to print the paper had not received the statement.

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