Top dog policeman retires after 30 years
A Lichfield and Cannock chief inspector is retiring after 30 years with Staffordshire police.
During his three decades as a police officer, Chief Inspector Christopher Blagbrough, was named dog handler of the year and also picked up a string of commendations from a number of Chief Constables and divisional commanders.
More recently, he has been the driving force behind Trent Valley Division winning national acclaim by achieving top honours in the Investor's in Excellence awards.
Chief Inspector Blagbrough, who lives at Stafford, joined Staffordshire police in 1978 and was posted to Cannock.
His service saw him in a range of roles including work as a dog handler, a detective and, for five years, as local commander at Lichfield before moving to Burton as a member of the Trent Valley divisional command team.
His daughter is also a police officer.
Chief Superintendent Mick Harrision, said: "Throughout his early career, Chris built a reputation for dependability, hard work and dogged determination, a reputation that would remain with him throughout his service.
"Chris epitomises everything that is good about policing. He is reliable, dedicated, professional and very personable to all who come into contact with him.
"Throughout his 30 years, he never lost his enthusiasm and always went that extra mile to make a difference to the community he served." During a presentation ceremony at Burton police station, Chief Inspector Blagbrough shared the limelight with his police officer daughter, Kelly, who picked up a divisional commander's commendation.
Earlier this year, Pc Kelly Blagbrough together with fellow officer Pc Katie Cox, were on patrol in Lichfield when they were called to an incident where a man was threatening to take his own life.
Their citations read: "Through sensitive and thorough questioning of the man's wife, they went to an isolated garage where the man was found, given medical help and taken to hospital.
"Without the intervention of these officers, he may have succeeded in taking his life. He has now made a full recovery thanks to the life saving actions of Pc Blagbrough and Pc Cox."
