<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has today announced his retirement from the service after almost 40 years.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Chelepy served on the frontline across south-east Queensland, and then in senior leadership roles, including as the boss of the water police, in counter-terrorism, as operations commander during the COVID-19 pandemic and as state disaster coordinator.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He also took on the top job, stepping into the role of acting commissioner, when </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-police-commissioner-steve-gollschewski-to-return-to-work-after-cancer-treatment-news/8676254f-0f5b-48a2-8ae4-6099b9712d4a" rel="" target="" title="Steve Gollschewski underwent treatment for cancer"><span>Steve Gollschewski underwent treatment for cancer</span></a><span>.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/pauline-hansons-one-nation-to-change-name-to-one-nation/0e4a0580-8268-43d9-9c29-ba68efd50d71" rel="" target="_blank" title=""><strong><span>Pauline Hanson changes party name as polling support surges</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Chelepy said it had been an "absolute honour" to be part of the QPS.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Throughout my career, I have been continually inspired by the way this organisation responds – through every challenge – to keep our communities safe.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"In recent times, I had the privilege of leading the QPS as acting commissioner.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-police-deputy-commissioner-shane-chelepy-retirement-news/d2c933ee-87d4-4e1a-bb84-6ab5a755c8a4" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I was, and always will be, humbled by the commitment and resilience shown by every member of this organisation.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It is your unwavering dedication that strengthens the QPS and earns the trust of the community we serve.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"As the state disaster coordinator, I also witnessed firsthand that same commitment and extraordinary effort from our people supporting Queenslanders at their most vulnerable during disasters."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He said he enters retirement with "immense pride and gratitude".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The memories, lessons, and relationships I have gained over my time in the QPS will stay with me always.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"I have every confidence in the future of the QPS – in our leadership, in our people, and our shared commitment to serving the community with integrity and compassion."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Gollschewski praised Chelepy's "commitment, integrity, and strategic vision".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Stepping into the commissioner's role while I was on leave, Shane led with the utmost integrity, respect and courage, steering the organisation through transformation.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"As the state disaster coordinator, he guided the Queensland community during some of the state's most challenging disasters, including significant flooding and bushfire events, and most notably the Cyclone Alfred response earlier this year.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"While his leadership has guided and motivated so many in our organisation, it's his friendship and personal support that I am most grateful for.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The QPS and the Queensland community is better and safer because of Shane's leadership – his legacy will remain with the QPS for years to come."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police Minister Dan Purdie today said Chelepy had "earned the trust and respect of colleagues and communities alike".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"He led the QPS with strength and humility through complex reviews and major operational events," Purdie said in a statement.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"On behalf of the Crisafulli government and all Queenslanders, I thank Deputy Commissioner Chelepy for his dedicated service and outstanding leadership.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We wish him and his family every success in the future."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Chelepy will remain on leave until his official retirement mid-next year.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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