‘EXCITED’ members of Rugby’s first branch of Police Cadets were treated to an inspirational speech by a gold medal-winning Olympian from the town.
Meeting for the first time at Rugby Fire Station, the town’s new detachment of Police Cadets were in awe when they were visited by Rugby-born rower Lauren Henry – fresh from winning gold in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls at the Paris Olympics in July.
PSCO Joanne Jackson said: “It was great to see them all there. They were all excited to get their uniform and to meet Team GB gold medallist Lauren Henry and Coun Simon Ward, the Mayor of Rugby.
“When Lauren arrived they all stood up and clapped – they were in awe.
“She gave a talk on how important it is to work hard and keep pushing to achieve your dream and I think it’s had a big impact on all who were there.”
Warwickshire Police Cadets first came about a decade ago, starting with just 28 young people – but it has since grown beyond all expectations to 180 cadets.
The organisation sees people aged 13-18 learning a range of skills, gaining an insight into policing and volunteering in their communities.
Det Supt Jon Belcher, who was key in the creation of the cadets ten years ago, said: “When we first started we never envisaged it would grow into what it has now.
“It’s really exciting to see a brand new detachment and this really fills a gap because, previously, there has been nothing like this in Rugby.
“The Police Cadets isn’t about recruiting people before they join the police – it’s about working with our young people and giving them the sort of skills and experience that will serve them well in any career they choose.
“We’ve all seen the massive difference this can make in young people’s lives and I’m proud of all the cadets, staff, officers and volunteers involved.”
The creation of the Rugby group has been a year in the making.
PCSO Jackson said: “When the youth engagement posts were created in Rugby a year ago, it was really exciting.
“Having been a PSCO in town for years, I already knew just how important it is to get out and work with young people.
“PC Rachel Cartwright and I have been able to do so much of that, travelling to schools across the borough and holding youth engagement events.
“But we knew creating a branch of the Police Cadets in the town would add another dimension to that – so we got to work.”
She said the new detachment of cadets in Rugby was a ‘great group’.
“So far we’ve got 28 cadets for Rugby and we’re looking forward to watching them go from strength to strength,” she added.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/5n7njjyu for more information on Warwickshire Police Cadets.
