The Oxley Police District has gained three new police officers and among those towns benefitting from the boost was Gunnedah.

Raised in Rouse Hill, Sydney, 19-year-old Probationary Constable Tye McCahon has had a fresh start and new badge starting in Gunnedah last week.

Before joining the police force, he was working at a high school and looking to transition into a student support officer role.

The Gunnedah Times met with Tye just before his first operational shift on the road, in which he was accompanied by experienced officers.

It was always a goal for him to join the police force, especially with military family figures to look up.

Beyond his family background, he hoped to be in a position to help people.

“I like to see people happy and see them get the help that they need,” Tye said.

Despite his upbringing in ‘The Big Smoke’, he was keen to move away from the busy city.

“I love the idea of a country kind of town,” he said. “Sydney has way too many people for me.”

Despite initially hoping to snag a Tamworth position, after stopping by the small city last week, he was glad to be positioned in Gunnedah.

When asked what he liked about the small town, he stated something that is often taken for granted in rural

areas.

“It is really nice at night time,” he said. “You can just see all the stars.”

He does not know where he will end up after his time in Gunnedah but at the moment he would like to stay in country areas.

At time of printing, he has almost completed his second week. After a year of studying and training, he will move up from the probationary

constable position.

District commander of the Oxley Police District superintendent David Cooper said the area gained three probationary constables, one of each in Gunnedah, Tamworth and Narrabri.

He was once in a similar position to Tye, moving to the country 26 years ago with the intention to return to the city, but never went back.

“Country policing is a good place to be and [Tye] will get to learn the whole game,” he said.

“Tye’s going to be a familiar face out on the street. Make sure that [you] stop and say, g’day if [you] see him.

“He is a very welcome addition to our team here and [he is joining a] good crew.”

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