Community / Spence recognised for racking up nearly 20 years service as special constable
A LOCAL man has been honoured for his long service as a special police constable in Shetland.
James Spence was given a special bar and rosette which marks the completion of 19 years of service.
The 68-year-old, from Lerwick, was meant to be awarded it earlier this year in Inverness, but the flight south was affected by the weather.
However Shetland area commander chief inspector Chris Sewell was on hand to do the honours at the Lerwick Police Station earlier this morning (Friday).
Also in attendance was Spence’s granddaughter Mirrin Siegel, who is following in his footsteps and is currently a probationer police constable.
A special constable is a voluntary role, supporting police on their day-to-day activities, such as assisting with patrols or helping out at incidents.
In his day job Spence works for the ambulance service, so there is an emergency services connection between his two roles.
He said he tends to put in around 200 hours of volunteering a year into the special constable role, which he said offers plenty of variety.
“You don’t know what you are doing to be doing every day,” Spence said.
At Friday’s event the special constable was wearing some rather shiny medals acquired over the last two decades, including a long service award given out for nine years of service.
But he was also recognised for his bravery in 2011 after being involved in rescuing a man who fell into the water in Lerwick Harbour in the early hours of the morning.
Spence was part of a team of police officers involved in efforts to successfully get the man to safety.
It was said at the time that without their help, the incident could have had fatal consequences.
Meanwhile chief inspector Sewell said being a special constable is a rewarding role in which people can give something back to the community.
There are currently three in Shetland – alongside Spence are two others who work with Dogs Against Drugs.
Police Scotland describes the role as a “vital link between the public and the police”.
But Spence fast approaching 20 years service, is he planning to hang up his boots any time soon?
“I’ll go for a wee while yet,” he smiled.
More information about applying to become a special constable can be found online.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
