MBE for Hitchin Special Constable
| Published: 23rd June 2008 16:54 |
The first Asian Special Constable in Hertfordshire will be given an MBE later this year after an exceptional 36 years service for Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Fifty-four-year-old Mahesh Thapar, who lives and works in Hitchin and is known by his friends and colleagues as Paul, has been awarded the prestigious accolade for his unstinting performance since he joined in April 1973, aged 18.
"I enjoy it as much today as I did the first day I joined," said Paul, who has seen the role of specials change dramatically from attending local fetes to the frontline policing of today where specials mirror the role of their regular colleagues.
Paul joined the Specials with a view to going into the regular police force but after getting married he was earning more as a designer and later a Chartered Surveyor, so he kept up his voluntary role with the police.
"I love doing the job - I love giving something back to the community and helping others. I prefer being on the front line and I get a buzz from the busy nights. It's about problem-solving and it is so rewarding when a member of the public thanks you for your contribution. I've also been involved in recruitment, especially trying to encourage people from minority ethnic backgrounds to join us. I was the first Asian Special in Hertfordshire but I'm pleased to see a few more officers from minority ethnic backgrounds now.
Paul also runs the Silver Moon pub in Hitchin with his wife, Nirmal, admits sometimes it is hard to get motivated after a long day. "But once I'm in uniform, I'm ready to work and make a difference. There is always something different to deal with and every day or night is as good as the next or the last. The busy Friday and Saturday nights are the most challenging for me but also the most rewarding. I love sorting out people's problems and have a completely different sense of achievement and satisfaction that I don't get from my day job. I enjoy catching drink drivers and preventing them from injuring themselves or someone else on the roads."
He added: "Through this job I've leant to think on my feet to deal with issues on a case by case basis and I enjoy working with our partner agencies. I've also had excellent training - which has improved so much since when I began and was only required to work four hours a month. It has given me confidence in my day job and made me more flexible as a person and hopefully a better father and grandfather."
Paul juggles his Publican role with the Specials and still manages time to spend with his close family - four children; Mark, 31, twins Richard and Anthony, 28, Kimberly, 21 and seven-year-old grand-daughter Yazmin.
He said: "I am thrilled to be getting an MBE for something I love doing and hope to continue to do for as long as I can. I'll be the oldest special constable in Hertfordshire!"
Special Chief Officer Peter Mould said: "Paul has provided excellent service to his local community as one of the longest serving Specials in the county, and I am very pleased that his enormous contribution has been recognised nationally."
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