FROM weeping with grieving parents to laughing and joking with people in the street, from visiting the sick in hospital to exchanging friendly text messages with protesters, Inspector Roy Robinson has always been more than a policeman. 
Now as he prepares to begin a new chapter in his policing career as the new chief inspector of Mid Ulster, Inspector Robinson says he will miss the people of Fermanagh when he signs off tomorrow (Friday).
“It has been a real joy policing the peace. Life is just a blink. We have so much in common and we come together to reach out the hand of friendship. That is what I will miss most about the people here,” he said. 
Inspector Robinson, who has been an integral part of the community, has built up a strong bond with many of the people he has met over the years because as he puts it, “I love everyone dearly.”
“I meet people every day. I have covered Twelfth parades, St Patrick’s Day parades, The Queen’s visit in 2012. I enjoy covering events like this and I think Fermanagh sets the tone when it comes to events and parading. When the Queen visited, I was the one who saluted her going into both St Macartin’s Cathedral and St Michael’s Church. At the G8 summit in 2013 it was my job to look after the protesters. The two protesters still text me every Christmas to wish me well and I wish them well too,” he laughed.
His positive outlook stems from his past having battled cancer three times, first when he was 25, then when he was 26 and two years later at 28. 
“I never thought I would be well enough to get into the police. I live every day as if it is my last. That’s why I love life and people and why I have always wanted people to see the other side of police life, that we are human, we enjoy the fun and craic, the different side to policing.”
As someone who wears his heart on his sleeve the caring, thoughtful sometimes emotional Inspector Robinson has never been far from sight. 
When Monaghan man Kieran McAree went missing in 2014 one of the biggest search operations Enniskillen had ever seen was launched. His body was found 64 days later. A distressing period for very many, including Inspector Robinson.
“Words fail me. We had built up such a bond, all those who were trying to recover the body of Kieran. When we did find him, I brought the family to my office and we had a prayer. The compassion and love that was built between the people of Monaghan and Enniskillen. I have never experienced anything like it. We went to that funeral, seven police officers, and we got a standing ovation. I’ll never forget that for as long as I live. The humanity to the fellow man, the love between Catholics and Protestants,” he said, reiterating the importance of his faith.
Even today Inspector Robinson keeps a card with Kieran’s photograph in his wallet, given to him by the young man’s family, and he regularly looks at it. 
“I do get very moved by people who have lost loved ones in tragedies. I have attended a large number of funerals. I want to sympathise with the families, weep with them and be there for them in times of tragedy.”
Throughout his career, he says, his professional and personal lives have collided.
“It is hard to park that personal side of you, but we are all touched by what happens. I know so many people in Fermanagh, that’s where it is difficult to separate the two, and sometimes they merge. I have wept at funerals and events. I have shed tears at my desk many times. You are only human, you have that compassion. I wear my heart on my sleeve,” he said.
And tomorrow he will walk out of his office at Enniskillen Police Station for the final time. 
“I think it will be an emotional day. The twilight of my career as I come to the end of my journey in the police. It is an honour to take up the new role.”