JOHN FOGARTY wrote a story about a day in the life of a policeman when he was 12 years old.

It was all the school boy could dream about and years later, he fulfilled that dream.

This week, the now-retired police officer and several others, were honoured for their services to the force.

Mr Fogarty was also presented his 15 year service medal for his years as police officer between 1972-88.

"I met my wife in Bowen when I was stationed at Colinsville and our three kids were born while I was at different stations around Queensland," he said. "All my good fortunes happened when I was in the police force."

Mr Fogarty enjoyed helping people and his 15 years in the force were the best in his life.

His wife Linda spent afternoons in the office during busy times in single-officer stations, helping answer phones and direct queries.

"I think a lot of wives would help out when it was needed," she said.

Stanthorpe-based police officer, Senior Sergeant Mark Ireland, was awarded his fifth clasp to the Queensland Police Service for 35 years service.

He said joining the force was an easy decision.

"I joined as a three-year cadet so I did police subjects in grades 11 and 12 until I was basically old enough to join," he said.

"It was great ... we lived at the academy at the Gold Coast and got free accommodation."

The system of recruiting school-based cadets encouraged them to make a career out of it.

"I also found being young, everyone was keen to go out bush and have that experience.

"Now people have families and (it's harder)."

Snr Sgt Ireland went from doing general duties to working in the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) at the Gold Coast.

He then went to Toowoomba, back to Palm Beach, up to Graymere and Rockhampton, before shifting to Stanthorpe in October 2006.

Fellow Warwick District police officer, Senior Constable Ray Hutchinson, also spent his policing career in different stations.

Snr Cnst Hutchinson was presented his fourth clasp to the Queensland Police Service medal for 30 years service.

He said his current station, Yangan, was an ideal one.

"I've always liked the idea of a one-man station," he said.

"You get to know the community and look after them and be there when you can."