Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy to retire
Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has announced his retirement.
Chelepy is known for taking on the role of the state’s COVID operations commander and vaccine coordinator during the pandemic.
He also took on the role of acting police commissioner this year as Steve Gollschewski left his post amid a battle with cancer.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Shane Chelepy is retiring from the police service.Credit: Dan Peled
Police Minister Dan Purdie confirmed the news in state parliament on Tuesday.
“Commissioner Shane Chelepy has served the state with distinction for almost 40 years,” Purdie said. “He is respected, trusted and determined, known for his perfectly flat top and flamboyant nature.”
“Shane Chelepy is a country boy who rose through the ranks despite nearly missing out on his calling… he starts his career in construction. It was his desire to serve that drove him into policing.”
“He served in south-east Queensland before becoming officer in charge of state border police duties in the counter-terrorism, strategic policy branch and regional officer in South Brisbane.
“In 2020, Shane took on the unenviable role of operations commander for COVID, a sobering experience that Shane would later describe as both challenging and rewarding.
“He likened it to his role as state disaster coordinator. The deputy commissioner has seen this state through floods, cyclones, fires, cyclones and storms. No matter how unpredictable the weather, he is reliable, a steady hand in the midst of disaster, supporting Queenslanders at their most vulnerable.
