44 years on the beat
Tuesday, 08 January, 2013
Lancashire Special Constable Trevor Spence retires
A Special Constable, who has spent over 44 years working on the beat in East
Lancashire, has retired from the force.
Trevor Spence, who lives in Blackburn, joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1968 working as a foot patrol officer. The 66-year-old spent all of his service in Eastern Division covering Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.
Trevor has received many awards over the years, including a Chief Superintendents commendation and a Magistrates Award for arresting a man who was mugging a pensioner in Blackburn. When he wasn't busy policing the communities of East Lancashire, Trevor worked full time in the building trade and later for Whitbread's brewery in Samlesbury until his retirement six years ago.
He said: "Back in the day I wanted to be a police officer but I couldn't because of height restrictions so I decided to become a Special. "I'd regularly work once or twice a week on foot patrol and on big operations and processions across the whole division. I policed a lot of football matches at Ewood Park, which I always enjoyed.
"I've seen a lot of changes over the years. When I joined there were no radios we had to meet and speak face to face. We used to have a whistle so if we got in trouble we would blow three short blasts and others officers would come to help. "I've met many fantastic people and made some lifelong friends during my career. I'm delighted to have had the honour and privilege to serve the Constabulary and the people of Lancashire. "I now plan to enjoy myself and look after my good lady wife."
Divisional Commander for Eastern Division Chief Superintendent Bob Eastwood added: "To dedicate such an extraordinary amount of time to policing the communities of East Lancashire is an incredible achievement and he should be very proud of his service. "He will be missed by his colleagues and we wish him well for the future."
