On Wednesday, officers attached to the Riverina Police District formed a guard of honour at Wagga Police and Community Youth Club [PCYC] to give Sergeant Cook a proper send-off.

While Sergeant Cook has served for more than 50 years, throughout his service he has been involved in the PCYC working with youth.

"I will stay involved in the club as much as I can as a volunteer and I'll continue to do that," Sergeant Cook said.

"It's something in life I enjoy doing and I do enjoy working with kids.

"I've worked with them most of my life in clubs and with PCYC."

And, it is a service that has been rewarding.

"I've worked with a lot of kids with problems, but one story that knocked me over, is, I'll tell you, I had worked with a kid from Dubbo, I looked after him and got him support," he said.

"Then, a couple of years ago I got a letter in the mail and it was the kid.

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"He had said he'd been trying to find me for years just to say thank you. So I got in touch with him and I said congratulations and I ask him; what are you doing with yourself now, and he said; I'm working in a mine up in Queensland, it's a pretty good job, good money and he said thank you very much.

"It's those sort of things that can happen when we do this kind of work for the police, with the police and also in the police youth clubs."

Sergeant Cook said he has enjoyed every moment of his career.

"I enjoyed and loved it in Dubbo and I love it here, and I loved it in the city," he said.

"But, I have to thank my wife, Marg, for putting up with me.

"I've got to say, I've learnt a lot- I've learnt a hell of a lot and I've enjoyed my time.

"I appreciate the local station, we've always had good times and I'm going to continue to keep going in."

Acting Inspector Mel Cooper, who first met senior sergeant Cook in 2010, said during his 50 years of service he had received an array of awards.

So on Wednesday, it had been an honour when she was able to present Senior Sergeant Cook with his 50-year clasp and service board.

Sergeant Scott Holbutt said the send-off was about celebrating Sergeant Cook's achievement in having served for over 50 years, 47 of which he spent working and helping youth across NSW.

"Everyone who has worked with or under Sergeant Cook only ever has nothing but good things to say about him," Sergeant Holbutt said.

The event commenced with Wiradjuri Elder Mark Sadler conducting the Welcome to Country.

Mr Saddler also gifted Sergeant Cook with a message stick he personally engraved and some emu bush.

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