Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy has announced his decision to retire after nearly four decades of dedicated service.

Throughout his extensive career, Chelepy held various frontline roles across southeast Queensland and advanced to significant leadership positions. His responsibilities included overseeing the water police, managing counter-terrorism efforts, commanding operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and coordinating state disaster responses.

Reflecting on his tenure, Chelepy expressed that it was an “absolute honor” to be part of the Queensland Police Service.

“Throughout my career, I have been consistently inspired by how our organization rises to every challenge to ensure the safety of our communities,” he shared.

In recent years, he had the unique opportunity to lead the QPS in the capacity of acting commissioner.

“I remain deeply moved by the unwavering dedication and resilience demonstrated by every member of this organization,” Chelepy remarked.

“It is your unwavering dedication that strengthens the QPS and earns the trust of the community we serve.

“As the state disaster coordinator, I also witnessed firsthand that same commitment and extraordinary effort from our people supporting Queenslanders at their most vulnerable during disasters.”

He said he enters retirement with “immense pride and gratitude”.

“The memories, lessons, and relationships I have gained over my time in the QPS will stay with me always.

“I have every confidence in the future of the QPS – in our leadership, in our people, and our shared commitment to serving the community with integrity and compassion.”

Gollschewski praised Chelepy’s “commitment, integrity, and strategic vision”.

“Stepping into the commissioner’s role while I was on leave, Shane led with the utmost integrity, respect and courage, steering the organisation through transformation.

“As the state disaster coordinator, he guided the Queensland community during some of the state’s most challenging disasters, including significant flooding and bushfire events, and most notably the Cyclone Alfred response earlier this year.

“While his leadership has guided and motivated so many in our organisation, it’s his friendship and personal support that I am most grateful for.

“The QPS and the Queensland community is better and safer because of Shane’s leadership – his legacy will remain with the QPS for years to come.”

Police Minister Dan Purdie today said Chelepy had “earned the trust and respect of colleagues and communities alike”.

”He led the QPS with strength and humility through complex reviews and major operational events,” Purdie said in a statement.

“On behalf of the Crisafulli government and all Queenslanders, I thank Deputy Commissioner Chelepy for his dedicated service and outstanding leadership.

“We wish him and his family every success in the future.”

Chelepy will remain on leave until his official retirement mid-next year.