A MUCH-LOVED Chester bobby won’t be pounding the streets anymore because he’s retired.
PC Steve Baldwin, 54, who polices the Garden Quarter and is the University of Chester’s Police Liaison Officer joined Cheshire Constabulary in 1995.
Prior to that Steve was in the Cheshire Regiment and saw action around the world including four tours of Northern Ireland.
Steve, who was a city centre bobby for eight years, said: “I will definitely miss it. It’s the best job in the world. I’ll talk to anybody about anything and I’ve met some great people throughout my career.
“People go past and pip their horn. I might not remember them but they know me. I’ve met thousands of people over the years.”
Steve was born in Marbury but brought up in Peckforton from the age of four. Today he lives in Cheshire with his wife Marion, an NHS medical secretary and they have two grown-up children and five grandchildren.
One of his tasks has been to keep the peace between traditional Chester residents and students living side by side but with different lifestyles.
Steven Clapham, University Proctor, praised PC Baldwin for his work in educating students about how to look after their personal safety and property as well as their responsibilities, particularly when returning from a night out.
Mr Clapham said: “When he first started to walk around campus with his high visibility jacket and accoutrements he caused quite a stir, students were not used to seeing a police officer unless there was something wrong, but with his inimitable style he quickly was able to talk to them and put them at ease.”
PC Baldwin’s role will be taken over by PC Jane Becker, who will be continuing and developing the role, with immediate effect.
