A FORMER Pateley Bridge police officer was called into action on his last day of work, after asking bosses if he could spend it on his old Harrogate beat.
John McPartlan, who retired this week after 30 years with North Yorkshire Police, had requested in his leaving interview with Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs that he spend his last day of service, Wednesday, in the town.
And within minutes of t
aking to the streets the pair were in the thick of things, after receiving reports of drug dealings.
DCC Briggs said: “John’s local knowledge was invaluable. He knew the layout of the alley involved and we managed to flush out the suspects and make two arrests.
“Through his dedication and common sense approach he has won the trust of the community and those he works with and that is exactly what the public want from their police.”
PC McPartlan joined the force when he was 27.
His first beat was Harrogate, after which he spent time with the Task Force and was involved in major cases including the Barry Prudom manhunt, as well as policing the miners’ dispute and assisting Merseyside Police during the Toxteth riots.
He has been a beat officer in Harrogate and Pateley Bridge and for the past five years worked as the force’s architectural liaison officer.
For his last day he requested that he be allowed to return to his old Harrogate beat.
“To me policing is all about pounding the streets, getting to know the local people and being there for them,” he said.
“Today meant a great deal to me and it’s nice to sign off with an arrest!
“I would certainly recommend the police force as a career to others.”
The full article contains 302 words and appears in Pately & Nidderdale Herald newspaper.
