Tipton's Wilf gets award for 30 years police service

A RETIRED former Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary police officer received a special commendation last week, Marking his 30-years of dedicated service to the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

Constable 4034 Wilfred Reynolds, better known as Wilf, 59, does not officially retire until he turns 60 next Saturday (August 22) but the Herald reported last month how a minor medical operation meant he was bade a fond farewell by colleagues early.

However, Wilf, who lives in Lancercombe, near Tipton St, was invited

to Castle Hill, the home of the Earl and Countess of Arran, in Barnstaple on July 28 to receive a Basic Commands Unit (BCU) Commander's Commendation for serving community and Crown for more than a quarter of a century.

His commendation, signed by Chief Superintendent Jo Tennant, said: "In his 18 years service, constable Reynolds has established a reputation as an extremely hard-working and dedicated officer, with great expertise in response policing, crime scene searches and logistics.

His policing style and dedication inspires and motivates his colleagues, and the communities he has worked with hold him in the highest of regard."

Wilf found out about his commendation honour at a surprise farewell bash thrown for him in June and said: "What a way to retire. I'm deeply honoured and really chuffed. It's a great joy at the end of ones service to be recognised and awarded."

He joined the Special Constabulary in 1979 and worked as special constable and

sergeant in Sidmouth, Ottery and Honiton before becoming a regular constable in 1991.

He was one of the first officers involved in the setting up of the response unit, which runs out of Ottery, and announced his 1995 arrival as community constable in the town by abseiling down the parish church for charity.

Wilf also served as acting sergeant for East Devon for more than a year from 2004 before returning to Sidmouth.