Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for Special Karel
A VOLUNTEER policeman who has served over the course of six decades is to be awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Special Superintendent Karel Simpson will have been in the force for 45 years when the Jubilee takes place in March.
During that time he has played a role in investigating crimes including murders, been threatened with a shotgun and delivered a baby.
The medal will be presented to Supt Simpson to mark his dedication to public service as the Queen celebrates 60 years on the throne.
Supt Simpson, who joined Hartlepool’s Specials aged 19 in 1967, said: “I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute of my time in the Special Constabulary. I love the diversity of people.
“When the time comes for me to retire I can say in all honesty, I have made a difference.”
Since the Special Constabulary was set up in 1831, Specials have helped to support and assist regular policing by being involved with all aspects of regular police work.
Supt Simpson is Cleveland Police’s longest serving Special, and possibly one of the longest serving in the UK.
He was promoted through the ranks, starting in Hartlepool before working in Middlesbrough as Special District Commandant and then spent time in the Hartlepool and Stockton districts.
He was posted to the force headquarters as Special Superintendent in 2010.
Highlights of his time in the force include being called to a house in Hartlepool in 1970 where a woman was giving birth. He delivered her fourth child before the midwife arrived.
On another occasion, he was threatened with a shotgun by two men, and had to talk them into handing the gun over.
Supt Simpson said he applied to be a Special after hearing stories from other volunteers, adding: “I thought it sounded like a very interesting job and as I have always had an interest in being able to help people, I thought I might give it a try.”
During the years, he has received the Special Constabulary Long Service medal for nine years’ service with three additional bars, each for a further ten years’ service.
He has also been given the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal and received a Local Hero’s award, which saw him attend the Houses of Parliament.
Supt Simpson worked at the steelworks in Hartlepool and Redcar before retiring in 2002.
Most recently, he has been involved in working with pupils aged eight to 11 years old in the Stockton area to promote safety and deter them from crime.
He added: “I believe that crime prevention at an early stage in a child’s life may stop the time and expense involved in dealing with crime in the future.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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