CPF bids farewell to Brigadier
SANDTON – Brigadier Alan Billings, the former Station Commander at the Sandton Police Station, has retired but his legendary efforts in fighting crime have not gone unnoticed.
The Sandton CPF, community members and members of the South African Police Services (Saps) came together on 2 September to bid a fond farewell to outgoing Sandton Police Station Commander, Brigadier Alan Billings.
Billings retired at the end of August and was a well-respected and admired law-enforcer. He said, “It is bittersweet to be retiring and I [will] miss the structure and routine. But it is nice to get some new brooms in to run the show.”
He urged young police officers aspiring for advancement to further their education. Billings said this on the eve of his retirement after 40 years of unbroken service, having educated himself after matric, obtaining a police diploma and a Masters Degree in Law. He is currently preparing for admission as an Advocate of the High Court.
In a message of encouragement to aspiring police officers, he said, “Nothing will prepare them better for the challenging police work than education. It will improve their efficiency and creativity when dealing with the evolving nuances and trends in crime.”
Billings joined the police in 1978 during the political upheavals when many lost their lives for freedom and when black police officers struggled to earn the respect of their white counterparts. Despite this, he rose through the ranks and led many stations in Joburg and Pretoria.
He commanded the Sandton station for 10 years, a period he said was challenging and rewarding given the clout and nature of the area and its residents who include top national, business, industry and foreign institution leaders who put State institutions under intense scrutiny 24/7.
In an effort to maintain the high policing standards left by Billings, the CPF hopes to work closely with the community and the Sandton police to ensure that there will be a smooth transition. Sandton Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson, Anthony Modena, said, “Brigadier Alan Billings… is an example of how the police come together with the CPF to make a difference.
“The definition of synergy is, one-plus-one-equals-three. What this means is that working together as a community results in more being achieved.” He added that the CPF was a statutory organisation in terms of the Police Act that focused on establishing relationships with the police, assisting them in solving crimes and assisting the police in solving the issues that are causing these crimes.
Wendy Robertson, former chairperson of the Sandton CPF, paid tribute to Billings in a heartfelt speech. She fondly referred to him as ‘The Brig’ and her speech was indicative of the CPF’s admiration and gratitude. She said, “The Brig has a rare ability to ensure discipline whilst empowering the staff members serving under him.”
Billings said, for now, he looks forward to a family holiday he viewed as a luxury when still in service, and to waking up at 7am instead of 4.30am.
