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Honour for special Special
The first Asian Special Constable in the county will be given an MBE later this year after an exceptional 36 years service for Hertfordshire Constabulary.
Fifty-four-year-old Mahesh Thapar, 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."
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."
1:18pm Saturday 5th July 2008
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