Chief Officer for Suffolk Special Constabulary, Dean Knight, retires after thirty years in the police force

After three decades of volunteering in the police force including guarding Princess Anne’s helicopter, the Chief Officer of Suffolk Special Constabulary is stepping down.

Dean Knight, from Lakenheath, left his position at the end of August after joining the force as a special in 1992 and was promoted to chief officer five years ago.

A special is a volunteer who has the same powers, equipment and uniform as a regular police officer.

The 57-year-old will continue working his day job as an environmental manager for DHL Express.

It’s been a rollercoaster 30 years for Mr Knight who said he enjoyed his time in the role due to his passion for community engagement and volunteering.

He leaves the role with plenty of memories to look back on and said it’s been an ‘absolute privilege’.

Mr Knight said: “One really interesting experience was guarding Princess Anne’s helicopter when she flew into Newmarket last year. I was offered an ice cream whilst guarding the helicopter, and had the embarrassing moment of the ice cream dripping down my uniform.”

He also felt ‘very lucky’ to be selected as part of the Suffolk contingent at the Remembrance Day parade at the cenotaph in London last year.

“That was a real highlight and a proud moment for me. Getting my picture taken outside Downing Street was also nice,” he said.

The father-of-two began his career in West Suffolk and in 2010 was promoted to deputy chief officer.

Mr Knight said his family, including his wife Karen, had been ‘very supportive’ particularly working late at the weekends.

He added: “I think my biggest challenge has been balancing a day job, a family and also working in the special constabulary.

“You have to make sure you give equal commitment to everyone and do your best in those three areas.”

Despite finishing his voluntary police role he doesn’t plan to stop there. “It’s a strange one because I’m looking forward to that bit of extra spare time now but I’m looking to get back into some sort of volunteering role again within the next six months,” he said.

“I can’t see myself losing that willingness to keep volunteering and do more in the community.”

Suffolk’s Acting Chief Constable Rachel Kearton said: “Dean has been an exemplary role model to those who served with him and under him for the last 30 years.

“I am immensely grateful to Dean for his dedication to Suffolk Constabulary and for the service he has given selflessly, and in his own time, to the people of Suffolk.

Tim Passmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, said: “The unstinting commitment and enthusiasm of Dean over 30 years is extraordinary, he really has made a difference. It takes a very special person to offer their services at no cost and to do this with a full-time job is quite incredible.

“Thank you Dean for all you’ve done and best wishes to you for the future. You will be greatly missed.”