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.

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