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Trip down memory lane

for retired sergeant

etired West Midlands Police Sergeant They also visited the Steelhouse Lane
Colin Barker has enjoyed a trip down lock-up, met officers – and dogs – from the
Rmemory lane thanks to a request dog section and spoke to traffic officers.
from his daughter who has followed in his Amanda, who now works for the Force’s
footsteps to be an officer. public protection unit, sent in her thanks to
Colin retired in 1996 after 30 years’ Georgina and the team for re-visiting
service and two years later daughter locations that once meant so much to him.
Amanda Barker joined the Force, taking on She said: “My Dad was overwhelmed
his collar number to keep it in the family. that you did all that for him, and that people
Now aged 74, Colin’s policing career is went out of their way to come and see him.
just a distant memory but, as a gift, Amanda For my Mom to experience this too was
got in touch with Birmingham partnerships amazing. We are both so touched.”
officer, Georgina Johnstone, to see if they Colin started his policing career aged 20
could arrange a nostalgic trip for her dad. at Kingstanding Police Station, going on to a
The city’s partnerships and engagement work with police horses, before turning his
team quickly got to work organising a hand to the dog unit as a handler for eight
fun-filled day. The group, including Colin’s years and then working in various roles in
wife, Carol, went out on a police van for a the Force. He asked to work his final years on
tour around Kingstanding; bringing back Response − attending emergencies around
memories for Colin of delivering a baby the region - a role he loved.
outside the police station many moons ago. Colin during his 30-year policing career.

Retired police sergeant Colin Barker was joined on his visit by wife Carole.

Colin early in his policing career. Colin also took a tour round the Steelhouse Lane lock-up.

www.polfed.org/westmids federation February/March 2020 29