THERE is a new face patrolling the Penola streets with the recent addition of Senior Constable Pero Kolundzic to the Limestone Coast Police.
At just 29 years old, Snr Cnst Kolundzic has been part of South Australia Police for around eight years.
A life-long dream, he joined the force at 21 after transitioning from the Army Reserves.
“I was quite young when I first started, but I always knew it was what I wanted to do,” Snr Cnst Kolundzic said.
“I have always enjoyed being part of a community and joining SAPOL seemed like the perfect fit.
“Being there for people in some of the toughest situations they may see themselves in is definitely hard but it is also extremely rewarding to help them through that time.”
After being stationed at the Sturt Police Station in Bedford Park, Snr Cnst Kolundzic said he was pleased to be transferred to a more rural location.
“I feel pretty lucky to be here in Penola,” he said.
“The Limestone Coast is an amazing part of the world.”
“One of the perks of my job is being out and about every day, so it’s nice to appreciate the beautiful scenery.”
With the Kalangadoo Police Station unmanned, officers stationed at Penola now have the task of covering that area also.
Although this is now a bigger job for the Penola officers, Snr Cnst Kolundzic said he had not felt an impact.
“As officers in a smaller town with high speed roads surrounding it, our main focus here is on patrolling the highways anyway,” he said.
“So that extra reach does not make a huge difference to our day-to-day patrolling.
“Traffic is our number one target in Penola and surrounds so we are focused on keeping that in check.”
Having only been a part of the community for a short time, Snr Cnst Kolundzic said he already felt welcomed by everyone.
“It’s amazing how quickly everyone gets to know your name,” he said.
“Everyone has been so accommodating and helpful in my new role that it has been a pretty smooth transition into the community.
“I feel like I have been here for a lot longer than I have.”
Snr Cnst Kolundzic said he was excited to become a larger part of the community wherever he can and with such a tall stature, there have been whispers of a possible recruitment to the Penola Football Club.
“I did play footy when I was younger but I currently have no plans to join the club,” Snr Cnst Kolundzic said light-heartedly
“Unfortunately with only two of us stationed here it’s a little bit hard.
“But you never know what could happen in the future.”
