Katamatite welcomes new live-in police officer

So, after more than a year without a resident police officer, Katamatite's single-member station is about to spring back to life.

Detective Senior Constable Charles Ryall is trading his role with Cobram's Crime Investigation Unit for something entirely different – becoming Katamatite's first live-in police officer in about 12 months.

"I'm excited. I am up for the challenge," Charles said.

"I know there'll be different challenges to what I'm used to, and I'd like to really thank the community for their support."

It's a homecoming of sorts for Charles, who spent five months stationed in Katamatite last year during a temporary secondment.

The experience left such an impression that when the permanent position opened up, he didn't hesitate to apply.

Born in Hay, NSW, Charles brings 12 years of policing experience to the role. He spent several years working as a detective in St Kilda before moving to Cobram Police Station five years ago.

But it's his rural roots that have drawn him back to country policing.

"I went to a really small school, and we looked up to our local police, because of the role they play in the community," he recalled.

"The sense of community in those rural places is really strong, and they really appreciate the presence of police."

That appreciation was something Charles experienced firsthand during his temporary stint in Katamatite last year.

"It was very refreshing after over a decade of policing to go back to a rural community and work with the community directly," he said. "I'm very grateful for that, and would like to thank them for that as well."

As part of his move, which begins on Monday, July 28, Charles will be stepping back from his detective work – no small sacrifice given his track record.

When asked about his proudest achievements, he found it impossible to single out just one case from the many he's closed.

"I think the most satisfying work we've done here is in our efforts to tackle drug issues," he said.

"And they've included major operations, as well as domestic violence matters, which are both really prevalent. Drugs are at the centre of a lot of crime, so you do see the results when we're successful in our prosecution of those offences."

Charles will be replacing Leading Senior Constable Phil Armstrong, who served as the interim officer in charge at Katamatite following the retirement of Leading Senior Constable Chris Westrope last year.

While he's looking forward to the unique challenges of running a single-member station, Charles admits he'll miss working alongside his colleagues, particularly Detective Sergeant Marcus Boyd.

"The opportunity to go work in a single-member station is very unique," he said.

"So I'm really looking forward to that, and broadening my experience and diversity as well. I'm really happy to be going back."

For a community that has been without a resident police presence for over a year, Charles's arrival marks more than just filling a vacancy – it's about restoring that vital connection between law enforcement and the people they serve.

Meet the cop taking the reins at Katamatite Police Station | Dairy News Australia