The veteran detective spent 27 years in the CIB, investigating a number of high-profile cases, including the brutal murders of Tauranga man Dev Sangha's wife and young daughter, and the kidnapping of a young girl in 2005.
He was also involved in dealing with the horrific Erebus disaster aftermath, Queen St riots, Bastion Point protests and Springbok tour.
Mr Blackwell also spent time in the Bay's child protection team, investigating crimes against children.
This type of work is highly specialised and requires people of strong ethic and character. I would have thought that few people would be able to cope with it.
So, he has seen the best and worst of our community.
And while his role has required him to deal with the worst humans among us, it is important to focus on the positive and how Mr Blackwell has helped others.
He has helped countless victims through their ordeals over the years. He was awarded a QSM in 2007 for his exceptional investigative skills and in helping colleagues.
But he also gained recognition through his community fund-raising.
Mr Blackwell was instrumental in setting up and leading the annual Tauranga CIB charity auction, which has raised more than $2.3 million over the past 20 years.
These proceeds went to local organisations that needed it and the achievements of this auction have been impressive.
This additional community role required a huge investment of energy and thousands of unpaid hours - on top of a demanding job.
This service has been rightly recognised.
In 2011, Mr Blackwell was named the Bay of Plenty Times Person of the Year for his services to the annual charity auction.
He is humble and points out there are plenty of others around him who have played pivotal roles in these fundraising efforts. He likes to be associated with quality people.
Since winning, he has helped me on the judging panel for our annual Person of the Year awards and last year he was named Tauranga fundraiser of the year at the inaugural Pride of New Zealand awards.
He has also led BOP Decision Reach Out Trust, which has provided leadership courses to more than 250 local students over the past 15 years.
Last year's charity auction was the last and now, after a decent Christmas break, he has decided to call time on his career too.
In both respects, he will be missed sorely.
But Mr Blackwell has more than earned his early retirement - or some "me" time as he put it in an interview with reporter Sandra Conchie this week.
The Bay is a richer place because of him and he deserves our thanks, respect and acknowledgment.
I wish Mr Blackwell all the best in whatever he does next.
