ONE of the longest serving members of Warrington’s police force is retiring this week, after nearly 48 years of service.
Warrington South Beat Team Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Phil ‘Wilkie’ Wilkinson has completed almost half a century of frontline policing.
The former Police Cadet, Police Constable and Sergeant’s final day at the force is Friday 6 May.
He will be sorely missed by all his colleagues, and will leave a big hole to fill in the Warrington South communities of Hatton, Stretton and Walton that he helps to police with distinction.
Warrington Local Policing Unit’s Temporary Chief Inspector Neil Drum said: “Phil, or ‘Wilkie’ as he is fondly known to many, is an outstanding role model to his colleagues – positive, motivated and committed to doing his best to make the communities of Warrington safer.
“I have known Phil since I joined the police, and his commitment to do his best has never changed, with him always being out on patrol and keen to make a difference.
“His exemplary service of nearly 48 years, firstly as a cadet, then as a police officer and finally as a PCSO – and nearly all at Warrington in frontline roles – is truly incredible.
“On behalf of everyone at Warrington LPU, past and present, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Phil for his service and wish him all the very best in his well deserved retirement. Phil will be missed a lot.”
Phil initially served as a Police Cadet from 1974 until he joined Cheshire Constabulary as a police officer on 12 April 1976.
All of his service has been spent at Warrington LPU, with the exception of just over a year at Northwich Police Station following his promotion to Sergeant in 1998.
Phil retired from his final post as Community Action Team Sergeant at Stockton Heath in Warrington on 2 July 2006, following 30 years’ service in the police.
The day after his retirement as a police officer, he became a PCSO at Warrington.
Phil spent 12 years as a Warrington Town Centre PCSO before moving to the Warrington South patch for his final four years of service.
Warrington LPU Inspector Ruth Atherton said: “PCSO Phil ‘Wilkie’ Wilkinson is a true professional, and although we are all happy for his retirement, we will be sad to see him go.
“When I started working for the force 20 years ago, Phil was a much respected Sergeant at Warrington. Even after nearly 48 years of service, he still has the same passion for policing, choosing to patrol on his bike or on foot. Thank you Phil for everything you have done for Cheshire Constabulary. We all wish you a long and happy retirement.”
Phil’s Sergeant at Warrington LPU, Gareth Kerr, added: “Considering Phil joined the service in the same year I was born – 47 years ago – it is remarkable that he still shows such incredible levels of motivation.
“He spends most shifts out on regular foot and bike patrol and is an inspiration to his younger colleagues. Phil is always one of the first to leave the office at the start of the shift, and one of the last back in at the end. He knows everything that is going on in his ward, and is as keen as ever to deal with any offences/offenders that operate on his patch. He has been a pleasure to supervise, and the place won’t be the same without him. I wish Phil all the best in his retirement.”
Phil said: “I am sad about leaving the force, as it has been my family for the past 47 years. There have been some good times and some not so good times. Like with all families, you have your ups and downs, but you are always there for one another when it counts.”
