ACTING Senior Sergeant Tim Hart was honoured on his final day of service at Wangaratta’s 11am ANZAC Day service last Friday morning.

After 43 years of service with the Victorian Police, Act Sen Sgt Hart is hanging up his boots but said he will still be present in the community.

“I came to Wangaratta with a five-year plan and I’ve been here for 27 years," he said.

“It’s a wonderful community and they support the local police force.

“Everything I love is in the North East, so I’m still here, I’m staying here and you’ll see me around."

Act Sen Sgt Hart said it was lovely to be honoured by the community at the ANZAC Day service.

“ANZAC Day is something that is very close to me given my family history and I also spent time in the Australian Defence Force,” he said.

“My father served in Korea, my maternal grandfather was a bomber navigator in WWII, my paternal grandfather was in the artillery throughout WWI, and my great grandfather was a Victorian policeman for 33 years.

“There is a real family legacy here for me.

“That part of Australian history is very important to me and to be able to finish on this day is an extra special memory.

“I’ve loved my career, I’ve enjoyed my time as a policeman, there is not much I would change and I would do it all again.”

Victoria Police Eastern Region Commander Karen Nyholm said Act Sen Sgt Hart has been an incredible influence to many that he has worked with, and he has been an important part of the community.

“Tim probably could have done many things with his life, but he chose to serve the community, and I think that's what makes him so special,” she said.

“We often say police members have blue blood running through our veins and Tim represents that true-blue heart.

“Tim is so well respected, he is a man of integrity, and he connects with the community that he is a part of.

“It’s really special to honour him today.”