Reflecting on a long career

PC John Richardson has had a varied career, from looking after Queen Elizabeth II, to working for 14 hours straight in the lead up to the standoff with Raoul Moat in Northumberland.

He’s experienced a multitude of events during his service and now he’s retiring after 28 years at Derbyshire Constabulary.

PC Richardson joined the force as a Special Constable. He enjoyed the voluntary role so much that after five years, he became a full-time officer in Chaddesden. After a move to St Mary’s Wharf, he decided to take the plunge of joining the Armed Response Unit, a role he would hold for much of his career.

During his service, he helped to look after President Obama during a G7 summit, the late Queen during a visit to Chatsworth, and the defence secretary. A favourite memory of his was guarding the ex-Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. Mr Brown had come to Derby for a wedding with his family, and after the service, decided to head to McDonald’s as the kids were hungry.

PC Richardson explained, “They went through the drive-thru but were asked to wait in a bay for their food. I watched a young McDonald’s worker bring the order over and as the rear window was lowered, he recognised the former Prime Minister with a look of shock and surprise. I can only imagine that when he went back inside and explained that Gordon Brown was outside to his colleagues, he was met by ribbing and disbelief, as by then the escort was long gone.”

PC Richardson added, “Aside from the high-level visits, as a firearms officer I also came against murderers, robbers, and anything you could think of. We locked up so many people that caused harm to others, and that is incredibly rewarding.

“I moved to traffic a year ago, and absolutely love it. My only regret is I wish I’d joined traffic years ago; it’s been so much fun.”

As a roads policing officer, PC Richardson regularly comes across drink drivers, drug drivers, and engages in pursuits.  

As he retires, he’s now handing the baton over to his daughter, PC Emily Richardson. Like her dad, Emily started her career volunteering whilst she finished her degree. Similarly, after a few years volunteering, she too became a full-time police officer. Their relationship is strong, and they both describe themselves as being “as crazy as each other!”

After PC John Richardson’s recent experience of traffic, Emily too is now looking at the idea of moving onto the Roads Policing team.

The similarities don’t end there, as John’s wife Jane, also works in the Force Control Room answering 101 calls. Their family business is policing, and they are all proud of each other and what they contribute to Derbyshire.

Talking about the highlights of his career, PC Richardson continued, “The most memorable was being sent to the Raoul Moat incident as a firearms officer. I entered a world of press coverage and footage of me is still used in documentaries.

“It was scary, all the training we’d been through really comes to reality. Just as we arrived at the police station for briefing, the radio call came in to say they’d found him. We’d arrived at the start of the events that led to the standoff.

“As we didn’t know the area, we had no idea of the location, so we joined the convoy and hoped the front car knew where to go! We ended up on back containment, no more than 20 metres away from him. It’s a job I’ll never forget.”

“The main message I’d give to new officers is - enjoy it! Deal with the rough and good times together as a team. Look after your mates and remember that every day will be different.

“You’re never going to solve the world, but each day you can do your bit to help others and do something to help those good people out there.”