Goondiwindi policeman Sgt Rick Kearney has left the Force after more than 34 years in the service of Queenslanders.

At least unofficially.

He is presently on long service and holiday leave but as he said on Saturday night, his “bosses” had better not expect to see him back in uniform.

The Queensland Police Force’s loss is Goondiwindi’s gain.

Sgt Kearney is the Goondiwindi Regional Council’s Deputy-Mayor.

“I certainly wouldn’t call it retirement,” he said.

Tributes came from many work mates including former “partner” Jamie Deacon, now based in Toowoomba, and Det Sgt Joe Hildred.

The most glowing tribute came from former Argus Editor Joe Hoffmann who said Rick Kearney symbolised all that was good about a “country cop”.

“With all due respect to the Police here, Rick is as good a cop that has served in Goondiwindi over the many, many years that I’ve been involved with the district,” he said.

He then compared him with Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson who also served in Goondiwindi. “Rick never dealt in figures or in tickets, he dealt with people,” Mr Hoffmann said.