Cheshire Constabulary

Jul 29 2010 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

Cheshire Constabulary

A TRIO of dedicated police officers are retiring from walking the beat after a joint 80 years of service to Cheshire Constabulary.

PCs Robin Elliott, Vaughan Marks and Steve Turner are all calling it a day in the Western Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team.

PCs Elliott and Marks, who patrol Kelsall and Tarvin, will be replaced by PC Steve Trow while PC Turner will be replaced by PC Kevin Kay in Frodsham.

PC Turner told The Chronicle he was looking forward to spending more time with his family although retirement will have its challenges.

“It will be a shock to the system as it’s been 30 years which is more than half my life,” he said.

“I would like to think that I have hopefully made a difference to people’s lives.

“Ninety percent of it is spend dealing with the community but 10% is spent dealing with someone’s tragedy. That is something you never get used to.”

PC Marks, who has served Tarvin and other rural communities, for 20 years following 15 years in the Army, said: “I will miss the job but I am looking forward to spending some quality time with the family.

“It does take a long time to build up local knowledge of people and I have enjoyed it but I am not one for regrets so I am looking forward to the next challenge, whatever that may be.”

Insp Phil Hodgson, who leads the Western Rural NPT, said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks for their public service.

“It is going to leave a big hole in terms of experience in the rural team but I am confident that the replacements, given their calibre, will be able to continue the high standard of service in those communities.”