Senior Constable Robert Wallace is leaving the police after 10 years as the sole charge officer at Lawrence.
He has also served in Gore, Clinton, Kurow and Oamaru during his 30-year career.
He will be moving to Central Otago in search of a ''different pace of life'' and to spend more time with his wife.
He was also looking for a job ''that's completely different'' from his regular line of duty, but declined to say what it might be.
A lot had changed in his 30 years in the force, most notably the introduction of, and changes in, technology.
Snr Const Wallace said he would miss the freedom of the working environment Lawrence offered.
''It's been enjoyable and it is a good job for the better work stories.''
Snr Const Wallace was not only the sole police officer in the town, but also its chief fire officer on the volunteer fire brigade.
He and wife Tanya wanted to thank the locals for their enormous support over the years.
It meant a lot, he said.
He enjoyed being involved with the community and helping people.
''When you do help someone, you do get a sense of satisfaction.''
He said the time to move came about because his wife had been working in Central Otago for about nine months, which led to them ''living two lives''.
''In one way, I'm quite sad, but on the other hand it's a new challenge,'' he said.
Clutha-Taieri area response manager Senior Sergeant Alastair Dickie said Snr Const Wallace was a ''firm but fair'' experienced officer who was committed to his community.
The crime rate was kept relatively low in Lawrence during his time there.
He will leave the position at the end of this week.
Snr Sgt Dickie said if the public had an issue in ''the absence of their local plod'', they should call 111 or contact police and ask to speak to him.
A plan was being established for policing Lawrence until the new officer arrived, using a range of staff and resources, Snr Sgt Dickie said.
