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When Tian Lotz (60) had to decide on a career path as a youngster he had a choice: to either join the army or to become a police officer.
He chose the latter and now after more than three decades in the force, he is handing over the baton.
Lt Col Lotz, commander of detectives at Woodstock Police Station, spent his last day in office on Thursday 28 March after 38 years in the police service
“Many years ago, we could only choose between going into the police force or the army. I decided to choose the police force and I stayed there until now.”
He explains that his career started as a constable at the station in 1986 where he stayed for five years. He was then transferred to other stations before returning in 2008.
Lotz describes it as a full-circle moment. He worked his way up the ranks and says being a police officer is about having a passion. “I love the investigation of crime. To investigate murder cases and high-profile cases was nice for me. And the success of it was always a highlight. To manage the personnel is also something that I love doing. I loved having a group of detectives under my command to steer them in the right direction.”
Lotz said his motto has always been to serve with honesty and integrity.
“I always tell the detectives as well to be honest with the complainant and do your best on the case.
If for example there is no evidence, be clear on why you’re saying that. Investigate the case to the best of your ability. Be honest with clients (the community).”
He added that while there are many bad reports about police officers, there are many “good cops” who aim to make communities and the country safer.
“There are a lot of good people in the police, unfortunately, there are a lot of things said, because it’s a big organisation it is always possible that you will only hear the bad things. But there are a lot of good people who really care about the state of the community and protect the community. There are still good people.”
Lotz said while he is looking forward to his retirement, it is a bittersweet journey.
“I have mixed feelings because I have a good team working with me. But there is a time to come and a time to go. My health is still good so I will focus on private matters.”
Having worked in Woodstock for most of his career, the officer thanked the community for their support and encouraged them to work with police. “Don’t be scared to come to the police station and report cases. You must trust the police. If there is something that according to you is not right, you can speak to the station commander so that it can be sorted out.”
Sean Savage, deputy chair of the Woodstock Community Policing Forum (CPF), said the officer was a ‘dedicated servant’ in the area for the past 22 years.
“As a police official (sometimes never appreciated), he has always carried out his duty with a sense of selflessness. As the greater Woodstock community, we are losing not only a good official but one who has been a friend to the people. We as CPF will miss him dearly and we pray Godspeed to him and his loved ones on this new path he is to undertake.”
Col Delven Matroos, station commander, wished Lotz well on his retirement.
“He was a great employee. His professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm have been a valuable asset to the Woodstock police. Irrespective of the daunting challenges and the imminent perils of danger that Lt Col Lotz experienced attending to serious crime scenes in the district he was standing his ground. His positivity and hard work have been truly inspiring.”
