A local police community support officer (PCSO) from Ealing is to retire at the end of the month after serving communities across the borough since 1993.
Arthur Gray, 72, was given an award for his long service by Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe at a special ceremony earlier this month.
Arthur first joined the Met as voluntary police officer in 1993 and become a PCSO at Ealing police station in 2009. During his time with the Met, he has been working with communities across the streets of Northolt, Greenford and Harrow.
Arthur said: “Working for the Met as a community support officer is an unforgettable experience. There have been many interesting cases I’ve worked on in that time, from tackling a shop lifter, all the way up to murder, however the biggest joy has been working with residents.”
He added: “The clue is in the job title. It has been a privilege to support the local community and build up long-lasting relationships. That can be through creating a local newsletter for 2,000 people or taking time and talking to people on the street. By investing time in residents, you build trust, and it has made this role a joy to have.”
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said: “It was a delight to meet with Arthur and present him with his award. His service is a testament to his dedication and passion for the role. I wish him a long and happy retirement where he can finally hang up his boots.
“Our Police Community Support Officer’s play a vital part in keeping Londoners safe. Officers like Arthur are invaluable to us, and are an essential tool in reducing crime and building trust.”