Captain Jan Idema’s career in the South African Police Service began on 10 December 1981, marked immediately by danger when the Wonderboom Poort Police Station was attacked by terrorists during his first week of service. His training year at the Police College in 1982 was shaped by strict discipline, memorable instructors, and participation in the state funeral of former President C.R. Swart. After a year in the Guard Unit, he spent eight formative years at Warmbad, where he gained extensive operational experience, handled serious investigations, worked closely with magistrates, and even served as Mess Master. In 1992 he moved into training at Pietersburg, later joining the Police Dog School in Pretoria-West in 1997, where he served for 25 years in Learner Support, curriculum monitoring, and international cooperation. His career included interactions with historic figures, foreign police delegations, and the custodians of long-standing SAP traditions. He retired on 29 April 2022 after 14,751 days of service.