A VOLUNTEER police officer who went above and beyond the call of duty is to retire.
Special Deputy Chief Officer John Mills, 66, hung up his uniform on Saturday (January 31) after 25 years of service, well above the average for volunteers in the Special Constabulary.
John, who joined Rugby’s Special Constabulary in 1989, was responsible for all the Special Officers in the town.
He was involved in many large operations during his career, including the Ryder Cup in 2002.
His highlight was working on Operation Incentive in 2013 where he helped recover £3 million worth of counterfeit goods from Wellesbourne Market – an operation hailed as “the greatest overall single recovery of counterfeit goods of any UK market ever” by the Anti-Counterfeiting Group.
John spent his working career with BT, which he did alongside his duties as a special until he retired in 1996.
He said: “I would like to personally thank all of the specials, regulars, PCSOs and police staff for their fantastic support in my 25 years service. I shall miss the camaraderie but have such great memories of what we have achieved.
“The contribution we make as specials to protecting the communities of Warwickshire cannot be underestimated and is something I feel privileged to have been a part of for so many years.”
Retiring alongside the Rugby bobby is Special Chief Officer Glyn Gardner, 73, from Warwick, who has completed over 44 years service and worked alongside eight Chief Constables. Between them, the pair have dedicated almost 70 years voluntary service to policing the communities of Warwickshire.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Ball said: “Being a member of the Special Constabulary is probably the most extreme form of volunteering that I can think of, and the 70 years of service that Glyn and John have accrued constitutes a truly remarkable achievement.”
Warwickshire Chief Constable Andy Parker added: “I am humbled by Glyn and John’s achievements as volunteers and am privileged to have worked alongside them both for many years.”
The Chief Constable for Warwickshire Police will be accountable for the Warwickshire Special Constabulary from February 1 until a new Chief Officer team is appointed.
Visit www.specialswanted.co.uk to find out how to become a Special Constable.
