Hereford FC have announced that Len Dykes has died.
Dykes was Hereford United's safety officer for many years. He was also involved with Herefordshire's Special Constabulary.
As a tribute BN looks back to an article originally published in 2007.
One less job for Len
Len
Dykes, Hereford United's safety officer, is retiring from one of his
jobs. The man in charge of Herefordshire’s Special Constabulary is
hanging up his hat after 36 years.
Commandant Len Dykes first
joined the specials in October 1971 at the old Gaol Street police
station in Hereford. He had previously served with the Auxiliary Fire
Service working on the ‘Green Goddesses’ until the service was disbanded
in 1968. The specials provided another way for Len to continue his
public service.
"I can still recall that first day, arriving at
the station to be greeted by the Sergeant and invited in," says Len,
whose years of service have seen him standing in floodwaters on Belmont
roundabout directing traffic, organising the policing of the Mayfair and
Remembrance Sunday parades, as well as being actively engaged with
Neighbourhood Watch.
"I also have many happy memories from the
years we were based at South Wye Police Station, working with the late
Sergeant Bob Wilson," he adds.
Len has worked his way up the
ranks in the Special Constabulary over the years, being promoted to
Section Officer in 1981 and then Sub-Divisional Officer in 1987 before
becoming Commandant for Herefordshire in 2000. In his 'day job' he
worked at Herefordshire College of Technology for some 31 years.
Says
Len: "The police service has changed tremendously over the years and I
am pleased now that specials are just as much seen as part of
front-line policing as regular officers. We are there to support and
provide back up to regular officers and not to replace them, but we have
just the same powers as regulars and can often bring some extra
knowledge and experience from our other work outside of the police.
"Joining
the ranks of the specials proves a very rewarding experience for many
people and opens up all sorts of opportunities. Over the last three
years we have seen 18 officers leave the specials and join the regulars,
both for this Force and others - so we must be doing something right!"
he jokes.
For his dedication to the Special Constabulary, Len is a
past winner of the High Sheriff's Trophy, with his nomination citing
him as a "focal point for younger specials, providing advice and support
wherever necessary. Always smartly turned out, he is a good example to
all specials and portrays an excellent image to the public."
Len
won’t however be leaving the police behind entirely when he hands back
his uniform - he is continuing to work as a handyperson for the Division
and could last week be seen helping staff move equipment to the new
Leominster Police Station.
And, of course, there is his excellent work with Hereford United.