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ENGAGING
ESSEX

PFCC welcomes 55 new officers to Essex Police

55 new recruits proudly ‘passed out’ this afternoon and were welcomed to Essex Police by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst and High Sheriff of Essex Bryan Burrough, during a special ceremony at Essex Police HQ in Chelmsford today.

The officers have spent the last 18 weeks training to become Police Constables and after pledging their commitment to serve the residents of Essex, were welcomed into the force in front of friends and their loved ones.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “The people of Essex have told me that they want more local, visible policing in their communities and these officers joining the Force today will help make a tangible difference to that.

“Their recruitment brings the total number of officers in the county to more than 3,000. I want to increase these numbers further and intend to do so over the next two years. Each new officer will make such a difference, each day to the safety of our county and the confidence that people have in Essex Police. I was really honoured today to welcome them all into the policing family.”

In what was his last passing out parade before retiring, the Chief took a trip down memory lane and wished our newest recruits all the best for the future.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “This is my last passing out parade as Chief Constable. In a cardboard box this morning I found my first passing out picture from 1985.

“My passing out seems like a lifetime ago, but I promise you days like today will stay with you as if they have just happened. Policing has given me so much. It is there on offer for you too.

“I am full of pride for you in what you have achieved so far and in the spectacular potential each of you has.

“You begin your career in policing at a time of great change. You are joining a generation of policing that is as committed as one to helping victims and catching villains as ever.”

During their training, the officers were divided into three intakes, G1, G2 and G3.

PC Nathan Hirsch awarded the Essex Police College Shield and the G1 Class Trophy. PC Alex Beard scooped the G2 Class Trophy and PC Joe Wilkinson was awarded the G3 Class Trophy.

The Kirstie Snellgrove Award went to PC Luke Jones for demonstrating the core values expected of a Police Constable.

The Kirste Snellgrove award was created in 2012 in honour of training Sergeant Snellgrove, who sadly died following a long fight against cancer. During her 22 years’ service with Essex Police, she had displayed the key values expected of every Essex Police officer and loved her role of serving the public.

Each of the intakes held fundraising events for three charities.

Intake G1 chose to raise money for the Essex Retired Police Dog fund.

The fund raises money so that the financial burden of expensive bills is not placed entirely on the person or family that have given a retired police dog its new home.  The removal of this concern means that the family can concentrate on making the dog’s retirement as enjoyable and rewarding as its career as a member of Essex Police.

The team raised £2,087 as a result of their fundraising activities. They held a quiz night and raffle and PC Yelland completed a long distance bike challenge, cycling over 60 miles.

Intake G2 chose to raise money for Only Cowards Carry.

Only Cowards Carry Weapons Awareness was founded in November 2012 by Caroline Shearer in memory of her 17 year old son Jay Whiston, who was fatally stabbed in September 2012. Caroline and the team work tirelessly to promote Only Cowards Carry Weapons Awareness in the hope that young people understand the stark facts and devastating, life changing, true reality of knife crime.

The team raised £2,100 by holding a World Cup Sweepstake, a static bike ride in the Meadows Shopping Centre and numerous fundraising activities around Essex Police College.

Intake G3 chose to raise money for Rethink Mental Illness.

Rethink help millions of people affected by mental illness by challenging attitudes and changing lives via advice and information, specialist support, campaigns, and raising vital funds.

The team raised £2,710 thanks to their fundraising activities which included a marathon, quiz nights and various initiatives around the Essex Police College. Members of the team also cycled 388 miles over the course of one day.

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CONTACT THE PFCC

PFCC for Essex, Kelvedon Park, London Road, Rivenhall, Witham, Essex, CM8 3HB
01245 291600

If your enquiry relates to operational policing or a crime please contact Essex Police

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