Around 100 volunteers, including some from Crewe - have been recognised for the 'special' contribution they made to Cheshire Constabulary during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All volunteers were presented with awards at a Special Constabulary Thank You Event held at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa in Knutsford on last Sunday (20 March).

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Bill Dutton, Special Chief Superintendent Amanda Fivey and Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer, all attended to pay tribute to the invaluable service that Special Inspectors, Sergeants and Constables provide.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "The Special Constabulary is integral to the work we do here at Cheshire Constabulary, and never has this been more prevalent than during the past two years.

"The commitment we have seen during the Covid-19 pandemic from those recognised at the event has been extremely humbling, and I would like to give an extended thank you to the officers, their families and the employers who have all given fantastic support to the policing effort during this challenging time.

"At the event we welcomed a new intake of Special Constables, who will learn new skills, see new things and make tangible differences to the lives of the public they serve.

"We also celebrated long service and gave out commendations for some of the excellent work we see every day."

All of those who attended received a certificate of thanks for their contribution and service over the challenging pandemic period, and were thanked personally by a senior regular colleague from their Local Policing Unit or department and a leader within their Special Constabulary team.

Mr Dwyer, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said: "Our Specials have dedicated tens of thousands of hours of their time to keep our communities safe over the course of the pandemic, and I'm really pleased I was able to meet them in person to recognise the contribution and sacrifice they make.

"Congratulations to everyone who received a commendation, and thank you to every Special Constable who dedicates their time to keeping our communities safe.

"This event was a perfect way to highlight what the next generation of Specials will no doubt go on to achieve."

Citizens in Policing Inspector Lucy Wade added: "Since the start of March 2020 the Special Constabulary has contributed over 129,500 hours, which is an incredible achievement and has provided invaluable support to the Constabulary.

"It was wonderful to be able to bring our Specials together to celebrate this achievement and thank them for the commitment they give."

Cheshire Police is currently recruiting Special Constables. The deadline for applications is Friday 8 April 2022.

Click here for more information.

Cheshire Police state: "Being a Special Constable is a unique opportunity to do something special for yourself and your community. This vital role gives you invaluable experiences and training that you can use throughout your life to achieve your personal or professional goals.

"As a Special Constable, you will have all the powers and authority of regular officers; you will be provided with full training, a uniform and out of pocket expenses.

"You will be valued, supported and integrated into the wider policing family.

"They're someone who will learn new skills, see new things and make tangible differences to the lives of the public they serve.

"It is someone who makes new friends, sees life from new perspectives and upholds the law.

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