City of Cape Town traffic officer, Richard Coleman, has retired after 39 years of service.

Mr Coleman joined the Traffic Service in January 1983 and during his career has mostly been involved in the specialised units within the City's Traffic Service.

In 1998 he joined the Cape Town Highway Patrol which consisted of 12 officers divided into two teams. At that time Mr Coleman was the second in command of the one unit and further oversaw all VIP escorts of international sport teams, international dignitaries and visiting heads of state and presidents.

In August 2009, the Ghost Squad was formed and Mr Coleman was once again assigned here and spent many years within that unit before he became one of the Media Liaison Officers for Traffic.

'Mr Coleman is known to be a diligent and efficient officer, who can rightly be proud of his long career. While we will miss him within the department, we are happy to grant him some rest and relaxation after so many years of service to this city and its residents,' said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith.

'I enjoyed my time in Traffic working in all the different sections and doing the VIP escorts for visiting presidents to our country. My time as media liaison taught me much about how to communicate and it has been an extraordinary 39 year journey. I am looking forward to spending quality time with my family and doing some travelling,' said Mr Coleman.

Source: City Of Cape Town