Inspirational Police Support Volunteer honoured by GMP following 14-years of service

Recently retired Police Support Volunteer (PSV), Colin Spencer has received a Certificate of Service award after nearly a decade and a half of service to GMP.

In July 2021, after giving 14-years of service to GMP, Colin took the difficult decision to retire from his PSV role, due to health issues.

On announcing his retirement, colleagues wanted to recognise Colin’s commitment and dedication to his community and policing, so on what was Colin’s 83^rd birthday, Chief Inspector Lee Broadstock and PC Sue Morris presented him with a Certificate of Service.

Colin’s journey as a volunteer began in January 2007, after he retired from employment with the French-owned polymer production company – Atochem.

Before giving his time within GMP, Colin had been a volunteer with the Victim Support and Witness Service. Before he retired, he also did some work with GMP through the Neighbourhood Watch Network, and it was this work that took him into the formal role as PSV at Stalybridge, Tameside.

During his time as a volunteer, Colin became an integral and valued member of the team at Stalybridge and Dukinfield. His colleagues loved working with him and appreciated his local knowledge, as did members of the public who Colin worked with.

Colin has left a legacy and a great example of devotion to helping the local community for other volunteers to emulate.

On receiving his award, Colin said: “I feel privileged to have been invited to the ceremony and receive the award – it really was a corking send-off. It was an honour to be recognised by my colleagues, as without them and their overwhelming support throughout the years, I couldn’t have served my community for as long as I did.

“I will miss my colleagues deeply; they really are such a fantastic bunch of people who I have become great friends with over the years. I will be forever grateful of the help and support they gave me during my wife’s illness and following her death. The visits they paid to us were, and will always remain, special to me. Grief is a terrible thing, and through it all, my colleagues at Stalybridge were there for me.

“I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my 14-years spent as a volunteer with GMP. Most of the jobs I undertook involved interaction and dialogue with the people in my hometown of Stalybridge – something which I loved, as I have a genuine interest in people and helping them.

“Retiring from volunteering was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. The experiences I gained working as a volunteer gave me a new lease of life after my retirement, which I will forever be grateful to GMP and all my colleagues for. One thing that is certain, I will always be thankful to GMP for affording me the opportunity to continue to help the people of Stalybridge.

“For anyone considering becoming a volunteer, I would highly recommend it, as it’s interesting, incredibly rewarding and one of the best things you can do to help people and our communities.”