After 15 memorable years Stewart Waters will officially retire from ACT Policing as Constable Kenny's handler. He has handed over the role - no pun intended - to another ACT Policing employee, David Packwood.
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Constable Kenny has educated Canberra children on how to stay safe for more than 40 years.
Stewart Waters joined ACT Policing as Constable Kenny's handler in 2002 and has dedicated countless hours to educating Canberra children on how to stay safe.
Constable Kenny expressed his gratitude towards Mr Waters for his years of friendship and service during an emotional farewell on Tuesday at Ngunnawal Primary School.
"Stewart has been my handler, colleague and friend for nearly 15 years. While it's difficult to say goodbye, we've done some great work together over the years and I know Stew has a lot of fun plans for his retirement," Constable Kenny said.
"Together, Stew and I have visited more than 20,000 school kids each year. We've taught them how to stay OK on the roads, in the community and even online."
"My time with Stew saw some big changes to the program. Over the last few years I've learnt how to tweet, I've got a new website and I've even got some new friends helping me teach kids about safety.
"I want to thank Stew for always believing in me, even when others said I was just a puppet. He's always been there to lend a hand and I could not have done my job without him. Stewart, I wish you all the best."
ACT Policing's Constable Kenny program educates preschool and primary-aged school children between three and 12 years of age on a range of safety themes, and to encourage them to turn to police for help and advice.
Mr Waters said now was the right time to retire.
"I am happy with my decision, as the program has achieved what I wanted it to achieve. Now it's more than just someone picking up a puppet and speaking it is something which parents and kids have responded to and have embraced over the years," he said.
Mr Waters said that he has had fond memories of being Kenny's handler and saw it as a real privilege to fulfil the role for so long.
"I loved going around to different schools and teaching the kids about safety and just to see the smiles on their faces was the best part of it."
He is very confident that Mr Packwood will do a terrific job taking over the reins and will succeed at teaching the program to children.
"He will love it, he is very good at it, and he will excel because he has that ability to engage the children which is an integral part of the program" Mr Waters said.
Mr Waters now plans to spend retired life with his wife and to enjoy more overseas trips.
To find out more or book a free school visit with Constable Kenny, visit his website.
