Gunnedah welcomes new police inspector

The Rylstone-born officer has joined the ranks at the Gunnedah Police Station after 23 years near his hometown, stationed in Mudgee.

A self-confessed “country cop at heart”, Inspector Wurth said he is looking forward to engaging with the community.

“I’m hoping to continue engaging with the community,” Inspector Wurth said.

“We can’t operate without input from the community, so I’m hoping to build a great relationship there. I’m hoping to build on what my predecessor started here.”

Inspector Wurth is pushing for a continued police presence in the community and said after two weeks on the job, he is “impressed with the town”.

“I’m a country cop at heart and that’s how I want to remain,” Inspector Wurth said.

“I’ve met quite a few people around town already and this town has a great feel to it.”

Inspector Wurth said he is pushing for proactivity, when it comes to crime.

“If there’s domestic violence in the community, I have zero tolerance for it,” he said.

“I encourage anyone who is a victim of domestic violence or who comes across it, or suspects it, to bring it to the attention of police and give us the opportunity to investigate. That also goes for drug-related incidents or any other crime.”

Inspector Wurth joined the police force in 1988, after an eight-year stint in the defence forces.

His first posting was in Manly, North Sydney, before returning to Mudgee.

“I had a strong positive connection to the police force growing up in Mudgee, which influenced my decision to become an officer,” Inspector Wurth.

“Working in the city was very different, however, times were different then too.

“I have seen many changes in my time on the force, things like forensics and real time access to information have gone forward in leaps and bounds.”

The inspector is also the Local Emergency Operations Controller for the area, and has a keen interest in emergency management.