SIXTY-six new recruits proudly ‘passed out’ (Friday, December 15) during a special ceremony at their HQ in Chelmsford. They were welcomed into the force by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, Assistant Chief Constable Pippa Mills and Judge Charles Gratwicke.
The officers, split into Intake B1, Intake B2 and Intake B3, have been put through their paces over the last 18 weeks as they trained to become Police Constables. After pledging their commitment to serve the residents of Essex, they were welcomed to the force in front of their loved ones.
Amongst the officers was Harlow resident, Emily Cross, who has received high praise from friends for her dogged determination as she charted a course to becoming a constable.
Mr Kavanagh thanked the officers for all of their hard work during their training and wished them well in their future as Pcs.
He said: “Welcome every single one of you to Essex Police HQ where we stand in front of the memorial to fallen officers. It’s an honour for me as Chief Constable to stand in front of that flag and that memorial and to see this new body of men and women coming into this wonderful organisation.
“Colleagues, 18 weeks ago you joined us in the reception at the college as a group of individuals with different ideas, different backgrounds and different ambitions. These last 18 weeks have helped pull you all together, you’ll be protecting the people of Essex now and you’ll be doing so with your own life experiences and ambitions as you go forward. Enjoy every single moment.”
Mr Gratwicke said: “It’s been an absolute privilege coming here and meeting you all. I’d like to congratulate you and your families for the position you find yourself in today. A position that no doubt has been brought about by hard work and sacrifice. Congratulations on becoming police officers. You are now police officers in Essex and you have powers that you must execute fairly and carefully. Always remember that.”
During their training course to become Police Constables, the students collectively raised over £6,000 for charity. Students in Intake B1 raised £3,365 for Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. Students in Intake B2 raised £1,867 for Essex Heartbeat and students in Intake B3 raised £1,121 for Noah’s Big Charity.
The event saw Pc Ben Thomson awarded the Essex Police College Shield. Pc George Watts scooped the Class Trophy for Intake B1, Pc Paul Rasor was awarded the Class Trophy for Intake B2 and Pc Andrew Durling was awarded the Class Trophy for Intake B3.
The event also saw the Kirste Snellgrove student officer award being presented to Pc George Watts for demonstrating the core values expected of a Police Constable.
The 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.