"Nothing is set in stone, but I expect to be working in the area of environmental protection and/or in charities promoting the education and health of children in deprived circumstances," he said. "Of course, I will also be interested in the odd game of lawn bowls, a bit of orienteering, and bird spotting. And I haven't got rid of my stamp albums!

"I am grateful for the help and friendship of colleagues at every level during my service in the Force. We can only achieve something worthwhile by working as loyal teammates. But work isn't everything. Enjoying life, sports, hobbies and a little volunteer service have served me well," he said.

Mr Tyzzer, who is now 55 years old, is married to Marlyn, an overseas migrant to Hong Kong via India and Beijing. He was born and educated in England before coming to Hong Kong in 1968 as an Inspector in the Hong Kong Police. He has served in a wide variety of Police Formations, rising to his current rank of Chief Superintendent in 1995. He was awarded the Colonial Police Long Service Medal in 1986, and the First Clasp to that medal in 1993, the Long Service Medal for Regular Police and its First Clasp in 1997 followed by the Second Clasp in 1998 and the Third Clasp in 2001. In addition, he was awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1995 and, most recently, the Police Distinguished Service Medal in 2002.

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

Mr Tyzzer has spent the majority of his career in the Uniform Branch where he was able to make several significant contributions. For example he was the first Project Manager for the Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System, ensuring that the full system, rather than one with limited capability, was obtained. In 1989, when in Personnel Wing, he introduced the first formal management scheme for Health Impaired Officers, and in 1992 whilst in Transport Branch, he introduced the Automated Fuel Management System.

In 1993, on the introduction of the Operating Services Account for the maintenance of Police vehicles, his tenacity and negotiation skills ensured a fair deal from the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. Later, whilst in Training Wing in 1998, he integrated under one command, nine separate aspects of in-service training, and introduced Formal Training Days throughout the Force.

In 1997, as the last overseas officer to chair a promotion board, he faced a particularly daunting task as the 502 candidates represented the largest number ever to be considered by a single board.

In the frontline, Mr Tyzzer has commanded three Police Districts, Marine Eastern Waters, Western and currently, Wong Tai Sin. In this latest post he became a champion for the environment leading his District to a 'Gold' Award in the 2001 Eco-Business Awards competition with such initiatives as the 'paperless conference' and the introduction of environmentally friendly food containers. He also introduced the concept of using 'elderly ambassadors' to promote fight crime messages among their peers.

"There have been difficult times," said Mr Tyzzer, "and things didn't always go exactly the way I would have wished. But I think people have to learn to accept disappointments and strive to make the best of whatever new opportunity presents itself," said Mr Tyzzer.

Voluntary Work

Mr Tyzzer has been a stalwart in the sporting field achieving notable success both as a player and in management. A Force representative in orienteering and lawn bowls, he was awarded 'Force Colours' in 1995. He has also chaired the Police Lawn Bowls Club, served as Treasurer to the Police Sports Council and the Senior Officers' Mess, and is a former chairman of the Police Philatelic Club and the Expatriate Inspectors' Association.

He also served as Secretary of the Hong Kong Birdwatching Society between 1991 and 1994. He has a strong commitment towards charitable work and has raised considerable funds for the World Wide Fund for Nature and for the education of children on the Mainland. He continues to sponsor four children, now in secondary education, one of whom he hopes will eventually win a scholarship.

Mr Tyzzer and wife, Marlyn, at a Country & Western Night

CSP Mr Ian Tyzzer bird watching at Mai Po marshes