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Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has announced his retirement.
Chelepy is best known for taking on the role of the state’s COVID operations commander and vaccine co-ordinator during the pandemic.
He also took on the role of acting police commissioner this year while Steve Gollschewski stepped away amid a cancer battle.
Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy is retiring from the police service.Credit: Dan Peled
Police Minister Dan Purdie confirmed the news in state parliament on Tuesday.
“Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has served the state with distinction for almost 40 years,” Purdie said. “He is respected, trusted and steadfast, known for his impeccable flat top and a knock-about nature.”
“Shane Chelepy is a country boy who rose through the ranks, although he almost missed his calling … starting his work life in construction. It was his desire to serve that pushed him towards policing.
“He served across south-east Queensland before becoming a commissioned officer in charge of the state border police roles at counterterrorism, strategic policy branch and at South Brisbane as the district officer.
“In 2020 Shane took over the unenviable role of operations commander for COVID, a sobering experience. Shane would later describe it as both challenging and rewarding.
“He likened it to his role as a state disaster co-ordinator. The deputy commissioner has seen this state through floods, cyclones, fires, tornadoes and storms. He is as reliable as the weather is unpredictable, a steady hand in the midst of disaster, supporting Queenslanders at their most vulnerable times.
