December 26, 2016 8.30 am
This story is over 67 months old
Reflections 2016: Neil Rhodes – My last Christmas as Chief Constable
Now that the festive period is upon us it is time to pause, draw breath and reflect on our journey over the last year. This year the force has faced many challenges – a triple shooting, a double murder conviction, 59 fatalities on our roads. It’s clear there have been plenty of examples of policing…
Chief Constable Neil Rhodes. Photo: The Lincolnite
Now that the festive period is upon us it is time to pause, draw breath and reflect on our journey over the last year.
This year the force has faced many challenges – a triple shooting, a double murder conviction, 59 fatalities on our roads. It’s clear there have been plenty of examples of policing at its finest, and toughest.
The quality, dedication and sometimes sheer bravery of our people – police officers, PCSOs, special constabulary officers, police staff and volunteers, and of the people we come into contact with just takes your breath away.
So very often great work can go unnoticed and unremarked.
That was not the case at our annual recognition awards ceremony held last month.
We presented Royal Humane Society awards to two members of the public who courageously rescued an unconscious man from a fiercely burning car.
We heard about tremendous work done in our community by one PCSO with really good results.
We recognised a long service officer for professionalism and exceptional personal tenacity that landed a protracted drugs case.
We were moved by the story of a young Police Support Volunteer, who overcame personal challenges to put a massive amount of time into assisting her local CID.
And, we acknowledged the work of a Special Constabulary manager for pulling together a series of operations in partnership with one of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams.
We have always been a force that performs under pressure and the HMIC report on efficiency found just that.
We have done all we can do to bridge the funding gap especially in collaboration. Our East Midlands’ shared services are an example of best practice for the country, placing us in a key position to take up the gauntlet with blue light integration.
By next year, Lincolnshire will see fire, ambulance and police sharing buildings in what I believe will be a model for the future.
I have seen these changes as Chief Constable knowing that they were only possible because of the hardworking team of people willing to make that change for the better.
It all comes down to providing the very best response we can to the person facing a crisis at that point in time.
It is vital for that person, but also important for my officers, who then get the recognition they deserve rather than the criticism they face for failing to meet expectations because of the restrictions the budget places on us.
The festive period is a wonderful time for most of us, but it is also a time when the complexities and challenges of life and humanity are often magnified.
Our police officers and staff who are on duty are often the people who deal with that and we need to spare a thought for them.
This will be my last Christmas as Chief Constable. In February Bill Skelly will travel from Exeter in Devon to make his home in this county and lead this proud force.
If he gets a fraction of the satisfaction and joy that I have had from being part of the family that is Lincolnshire Police since I first joined as a constable, almost 31 years ago back in 1986, he will be a very lucky man.
It seems fitting that one of my final projects will be the completion of our memorial garden which pays tribute to those who have died in service and reminds us of the principles of policing set out by Robert Peel.
His idea that the police should gain the approval of the public was once novel but is now fully integrated in everything we do.
This was funded by a donation from a member of the public.
Val Hills’ approval was such that she left her life savings to Lincolnshire Police.
I hope she approves now of what we have been able to achieve with her money.
Remembering and celebrating the service; good people doing good work.
So, finally, I will close by saying I hope that for all of us – especially those on duty over the festive period – Christmas and New Year are both safe and peaceful.
Neil Rhodes is the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police. The role marks the culmination of his police career which began when he joined Lincolnshire in 1986. During 15 years with Lincolnshire Police he progressed from Constable to Superintendent, working across the county as a patrol officer, a detective and in roads policing before joining Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary at superintendent rank.
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A seven-year-old girl from Immingham has raised more than £2,500 to help rebuild her local park after it was severely damaged in an arson attack earlier this year.
Elysia Shakespeare was really upset by the irreparable damage caused to the main climbing frame at Pilgrim Park, which was set ablaze by youngsters in an arson attack in April.
The park is one of Elysia’s favourite places to play and after the shocking attack she decided to try to help.
She organised a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge and enlisted support from local post office staff to raise the sum, which has now been presented to the council.
The blazing fire at Pilgrim Park in April this year which destroyed the main climbing frame. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, speaking to Look North. | Screenshot: BBC Look North/BBC News Hub
Lee Shakespeare, Elysia’s step-dad, told BBC Look North that the council plan to replace some of the smaller apparatus first.
He said: “I’ve asked Elysia to jump online and come up with some drawings of ideas for what she actually wants to replace the old climbing frame area with.”
Elysia has suggested that she wants a “big” climbing frame, to start with.
Pilgrim park holds a special place in children’s hearts in Immingham, and it is hoped, with Elysia’s money, and other grants, the council will be able to make improvements for her, her friends and for subsequent generations.
A Lincoln care home resident had a day she’ll never forget after celebrating her 106th birthday by being served lunch by a butler in the buff.
Norah Shaw received close to 200 birthday cards after an appeal from Tennyson Wharf Care Home in Burton Waters.
As well as being served lunch by a buff butler provided by Butlers in the Buff, Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer Eleanor Mattley, as well as cake and wine.
Norah enjoyed chatting to her buff butler Ed. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
The care home said: “Well, what an absolutely fantastic day for a truly special lady.
“We would just like to say a huge thank you to every single person who sent Norah birthday cards and presents. We are all so touched by the heartwarming kindness that has been shown. It really has been astonishing.
Norah even got a card from The Queen. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“Norah was blown away with the generosity and kindness so thank you to each and and every single person for being so amazing. It was so lovely to all be a part of seeing Norah enjoy them all.
“As you can see, Norah thoroughly enjoyed her butler in the buff surprise. The amazing kitchen supplied a wonderful afternoon tea which Ed, the butler served to Norah. What an experience that was for everyone involved.
Norah celebrating a birthday she will never forget! | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Staff enjoyed celebrating Norah’s birthday with her. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
Norah also enjoyed a performance from her favourite singer – Eleanor Mattley. | Photo: Zoe Sheridon and Christine Harding
“We finished the day with a special performance from Norah’s all time favourite singer Eleanor Mattley Productions – Care Home Entertainment with prosecco and cake. The atmosphere was amazing as staff and residents joined together in song and dance for a truly magnificent afternoon.”