A Tribute to António Paixão, Lisbon's Oldest Traffic Officer

For 12 years, commuters at the intersection of Rua da Junqueira, Rua de Belém, and Calçada da Ajuda were greeted with the sight of António Paixão, Lisbon's most veteran traffic officer. Clad in a white helmet, gloves, and a police uniform, he directed traffic with arms raised and a whistle in his mouth. At 60 years old, António has been a traffic officer since April 1995, spending his first 15 years at Rua da Escola Politécnica.

This heartfelt episode of the Mensagem podcast, Sons de Lisboa, reflects on his career shortly after the blackout that left the country in darkness, reminding many of the significance of his role.

On May 12, 2022, António decided it was time to retire. On his last day, he received a special farewell at the intersection from Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, who personally came to thank him for his years of service.

António Paixão received a visit from the President of the Republic on May 12, 2022, his last day on duty. Photo: PSP – Comando Metropolitano de Lisboa

António describes himself not just as a police officer, but primarily as a community assistant. He pursued studies in social action at the Universidade Aberta, becoming the first licensed traffic officer in Lisbon.

Before joining the PSP in 1989, he worked for several years in a factory in Coimbra, his birthplace. The financial instability of his hometown pushed him to seek a more secure career, leading him to the police force, though his true passion lies in art history.

With his retirement, only one traffic officer remains in Lisbon, highlighting the profession's precarious future.

Originally published on June 15, 2022.

Listen to previous episodes here.

Production and editing – Catarina Reis