Essex: Retiring policeman makes one last arrest on final patrol (From Braintree and Witham Times)

Essex: Retiring policeman makes one last arrest on final patrol

2:21pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News

A retiring policeman was joined by his two children as he made one last arrest on his final beat before retiring after 30 years.

Former Braintree officer, Chief Supt Tim Stokes, was joined by his son, Sergeant Tom Stokes, and daughter, PC Carly Stokes, for his final patrol in Clacton last Wednesday.

And the retiring Mr Stokes was kept busy, arresting an 18-year-old man on suspicion of theft.

As well as working in Braintree, his 30 years service with Essex Police saw Mr Stokes working in Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, and Chelmsford.

A final send off was held at Operational Policing Command (OPC) in Boreham, where he held his final role.

Mr Stokes said: "Back in 1982, Clacton was where I started my first patrols as a constable and on my last day I was always determined to go back out on patrol where it all started for me.

"The Stokes family goes on in Essex Police. My children are both dedicated officers and are intent on a career with Essex Police.”

Carly, 29, is based in Colchester, while Tom, 27, is a firearms officer at Stansted Airport. They both surprised their father at his leaving presentation before joining him on his last patrol.

Chief Supt Simon Williams, who succeeds Mr Stokes as head of OPC, said: "I’ve worked with Tim for 26 years on and off and I’ve tended to following him throughout the same career path.

"You’ve been an inspiration to colleagues, you’ve been a great friend and supporter to me and I’d like to wish you a long and happy retirement.”

Of his retirement plans, Mr Stokes said: "I intent to travel and make the most of my retirement and having worked hard for the last 30 years I intend to get some decent sleep!”

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