A familiar face at Thirsk police station has retired after 13 years’ of volunteer work for North Yorkshire Police. Rosemarie Lawson, who lives in the town, began volunteering in 1998 when she became the first Valewatch coordinator for the district. Working with the then local Inspector, Val Broadley, she was instrumental in setting up one of the most successful watch schemes in the county.
- L to R: Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Sue Cross, Head of Volunteering Richard Baldwin and Rosemarie
In 2004, Rosemarie became the first civilian volunteer to help staff a front counter for North Yorkshire Police, working at the newly opened police station in Thirsk Market Place.
Rosemarie said: ”I have enjoyed my time with North Yorkshire Police, it has been a very varied and interesting experience and I’d like to think I have contributed in some way to keeping our communities as safe as possible.
“The benefits of volunteers to the police service are immeasurable, whether you are a neighbourhood watch volunteer, work at a police station or a special constable.
“Police volunteering is not an ordinary volunteer job, especially as your work can directly affect members of the public and their quality of life, but it is very rewarding.”
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Sue Cross, said: “We would like to thank Rosemarie for her tireless work and commitment over the last 13 years.
“Her loyalty, dedication and professionalism has been exemplary and is greatly appreciated by North Yorkshire Police. We are very sorry to see her go, but wish her well in her future retirement.”
