Sergeant Peter McConnon, who has retired from An Garda Síochana after over 32 years of service, will be remembered for his dynamism, energy, innovation, competency and professionalism.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered at Kilkenny Garda Station last Thursday to mark the occasion.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit praised Sgt McConnon, who worked as the crime prevention officer in Kilkenny since 2014, for being ‘first and front’ in the HEED initiative, which has been rolled out in GAA clubs across the county and both informs and educates young people on the harm that drugs cause in communities.
Superintendent at Kilkenny Garda Station, Aidan Brennan, said that he had worked with Sgt McConnon for many years both in Carlow and Kilkenny and said that he was ‘a fabulous communicator’ with communities and organisations.
Chief Superintendent, Derek Hughes, who worked alongside him at Kilkenny Garda Station from 2015 to 2020 described his work as ‘revolutionary in many aspects’.
He commended him for his skill, aptitude and leadership in community engagement which also involved setting up and engaging with community text alert groups across the city and county.
Chief Supt Hughes wished Sgt McConnon, his wife Aisling and their two children all the best and added that it had come as no surprise that Sgt McConnon had been headhunted for a senior role with the GAA.
Sgt McConnon was also praised his involvement in Operation Storm, the template for Operation Thor, which is an ongoing garda initiative nationally which targets organised crime gangs and repeat offenders.
“The work of Peter cannot be overstated in Operation Storm,” remarked Chief Supt Hughes.
Chairman of the Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Martin Brett congratulated him on his ‘innate ability to look forward’.
Sgt Pat Baldwin, who worked with him at Castlecomer Garda Station, also spoke at the event along with Inspector Paul Donohoe, who also acted as MC.
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