Rank Builder | Thin Blue Line Runs Through Family

ONE of Springfield police station's newest additions is continuing a long and proud lineage of Queensland cops.

When he was sworn in on November 4, Constable Benjamin Bergin became the fifth generation of his family to serve.

He will continue a 121-year tradition dating back to August 4, 1890, when his great-great-grandfather Michael Joseph Bergin was sworn in.

Constable Bergin, whose father Tony served at Goodna in the 1980s, said his forebears were very influential in his decision to become a police officer.

"It is something I have always thought about," he said.

"Joining the police was never forced on me but we always spoke about it and grandad in particular was very proud when I graduated from the academy."

Grandfather William Bergin worked at stations across the state in a career that lasted almost 40 years, retiring as a superintendent in 1987.

"It was a very proud moment for me, to see Ben join the police," Mr Bergin said.

"My grandfather started it all in 1890. I can't understand what it is about our family but I suppose you look at your forebears and say to yourself that they seem happy in the job they are doing."

Ben's great-great-grandfather Michael Joseph Bergin rose to the rank of sub-inspector before retiring in 1930. His son, William Leo, was sworn in on December 15, 1922, and rose to the rank of sergeant before retiring in 1951.

William Leo's son William John (Ben's grandfather), was appointed as a police cadet in 1948 and was sworn on March 3, 1952.

William's three sons all became police officers, including Ben's uncles Paul and Justin and his father Tony.

Unable to join the police straight from school, Constable Bergin completed his apprenticeship in carpentry under his father Tony - who is also a qualified builder - before going to the academy.

He said the 30-week process was difficult but had prepared him well for the real-world challenges of the job.

"I have only done five shifts at Springfield so I am still learning the ropes - it's all new and challenging but from what I have seen I like Springfield," he said.

Although not a dad yet himself, Constable Bergin said he hoped his kids might one day follow in his footsteps.