BFS spokesperson dedicates 30 years to service
Being a police officer was not a childhood dream, but once Giblin became one, it was a career he could not part from.
Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) WO Grant Giblin, who is no stranger to our paper, celebrated 30 years in service on June 11 and looks forward to promoting a positive image for the SAPS.
“At the beginning of 1990, I had just finished matric in Roodepoort, where I grew up,” the 48-year-old said.
“All my friends were off to the army, as military conscription was still compulsory. I had not been called up yet, for some unknown reason, so was working as a cashier job in the meantime.
“After a few weeks, a friend who was called up for SAPS duties came home on a weekend pass. He had all this police gear and outfit that just looked so ‘cool’ and all the stories he told would excite any young man.
“I was hooked and immediately started the process to apply to join the South African Police Force at the time.”
On June 11, 1990, he reported as a student constable at Roodepoort SAPS.
Two weeks later, he was sent to a police college in Pretoria for six months.
“My hometown would not see me as a police officer again, as in January 1991 after rigorous extended training I commenced operational duties at a unit in Pretoria that would assist unrest-stricken areas across South Africa.
“I toured the country, doing duty from Gauteng to the Cape until October 1992 when I was transferred to Thembisa Public Order Police.
“Serving at this unit I became a lance sergeant in 1994, a sergeant in 1996 and a warrant officer in 1998.
“A few highlights of working at the Public Order Policing Unit were meeting President Nelson Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki at an event in Thembisa and escorting Michael Jackson out of the arrivals hall at OR Tambo.”
In April 2002, Benoni welcomed Giblin, where he served as an officer ‘on the streets’ until 2018 when he assumed his communications role.
“BFS brought its own highlights as responding to all serious complaints speedily bring about new and dangerous experiences each day.
“There are, however, lighter sides, like escorting the Spanish soccer team to and from the FNB Stadium on the night they won the world cup in 2010.”
Giblin said in his 30 years of service there have been numerous achievements, but a constant and long-lasting one is having had the honour to serve diverse communities in South Africa, assisting vulnerable people in times of need and bringing criminals to justice.
“I do not see a career faced with challenges, I see a career where changes took place which adjusted mindsets and attitudes. I see a career where I learnt and grew as a person. I am proud to be a member of Benoni Flying Squad.
“I enjoy my role as communications officer for a unit dedicated to fighting crime and serving its community.
“Being a warrant officer is a versatile rank as you have leadership, set an example and can be fully operational as well. Although I do communications, I am still fully operational and can be deployed at any time.”
In a teaser question asked by the City Times about a career change, Giblin said he loves his career but if he did choose another, he would choose to be a car salesman because he is a lover of cars.
“This thrill for fast cars must come from the fact that even after so many years, activating a police siren and blue lights to respond to an urgent complaint still gets the adrenaline rushing and blood pumping like only the experienced will understand.
“Even after retirement I will always wonder when hearing a siren to what danger and situation they are rushing to.”
The former Kempton Park now Brentwood Park resident celebrated his 30-year anniversary relaxing in front of a fire, especially with the cold spell on the way.
“Furthermore, I enjoy weight training to stay fit and pottering around in the garden. Spending time with family and close friends is time well spent.”
Captain Pinky Tsinyane, Principal Communication Officer of Gauteng Rapid Response Services said: “This is also to thank Warrant Officer Giblin for coming to Corporate Communication.
“He is one member who I rely on so much.
“He is working very hard writing articles as per his job description.
“He always goes an extra mile wanting to assist and to do more – enhancing the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics in the organisation.”
Tsinyane added that in 2018 he got the certificate of the most progressive officer with several articles published.
“When I am not on duty I request him conduct an in-service training for other members and ensure that our media reports are up to date,” she said.
“Working with him has lessened my hard work to deal with other activities such as attending meetings, arranging campaigns etc. It tells that he is a dedicated member whom you can rely on with his service record.”
