Burr was old-style police boss
By LYN HUMPHREYS lyn.humphreys@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Daily News | Saturday, 06 December 2008A larger-than-life New Plymouth policeman with a distinguished career spanning three decades will be farewelled with a guard of honour today.
Alvin Burr, who died suddenly on his farm this week aged 70, retired as a senior sergeant in 1993.
He first joined the police in 1962 in his early 20s in the days when police cars and radios were few and far between, said Senior Sergeant Selwyn Wansbrough.
During his career, Mr Burr took advantage of his love of dogs, becoming Taranaki's second police dog handler, after Hec Davies. Mr Burr, with his partner Echo, notched up many good catches over the next 8 1/2 years.
Even after he retired from the force, he enjoyed taking the role of commentator at police dog demonstrations at events such as the Searchlight Tattoo.
Mr Burr also saw service in Rotorua, rising through the ranks both there and in Wellington, returning to New Plymouth in the early 1970s as a senior sergeant.
Mr Burr's outstanding service record was acknowledged when, in 1990, he became the first policeman in Taranaki to receive the Queen's Commemorative Medal awarded to those who had made a recognised contribution to New Zealand.
Mr Wansbrough described Mr Burr as an old-style police boss.
"As the officer in charge of the station he ran the show," Mr Wansbrough said.
"He ruled the roost.
"He was a big man, larger than life.
"With his full head of white hair he dominated a room with his physical presence, big voice and strong opinions," he said.
He also maintained a strong interest in Search and Rescue, running many operations over the years.
Just last week Mr Burr attended a reunion for retired police where he was "full of life as he always was", Mr Wansbrough said.
"His death was unexpected.
"(It was) a shock for all those that knew him."
Mr Burr leaves his wife Joy, children Steven, Phillip and Althea, and five grandchildren.
The funeral will be at the Taranaki Crematorium at 10.30am today.
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