Page 164 - Once a copper 10 03 2020

My mind shot back to that first meeting with Chief Superintendent Bagnall
when I saluted unnecessarily. The Chief was wearing his cap, but I wasn’t
wearing mine, ‘do or salute or not?’ “Shit I wish I’d taken more notice at the
etiquette lessons.

I remember stuttering “All correct Sir!” as I threw up the most professional
salute I could. I remember feeling relieved I was the only one in the office to
witness my face reddening with my embarrassment. His broad smile and reply
put me instantly at ease. “Thank you officer, would you be so kind as to take
me to the officer in charge of the station?” I had always been told that the
office man was the man in charge of the station, so exposing my innocence I
said “I’m in charge of the office for the hour, so that must be me sir”. As he
removed his hat, he chuckled and said “Of course that’s true officer. What I
meant was your station Superintendent”. Damn it, of course that’s what he
meant, he hadn’t made a special journey from headquarters just to see you,
you pratl! I hoped he got this reaction frequently so I wouldn’t feel such an
idiot, but now was not the time to waste asking him such questions.

As I escorted him upstairs at the station and across the connecting bridge,
we passed other officers who saluted him. I wanted to tell them “He’s taken
his hat off you don’t need to salute him”, but it hardly seemed appropriate as
he thanked each one of them smiling cordially.

Thankfully, someone had pre-warned the Superintendent of the Chiefs arrival,
because he was waiting outside his office as we approached. The Chief
smiled in recognition of the Superintendent and his closing comments were to
stick in my mind till this day. “This smart officer, I’m sorry I didn’t catch your
name?” “PC Bennett sir” The Superintendent said before I got chance. “This
smart officer has been very polite and courteous escorting me to your door,
thank you PC Bennett” The Chief said.
Something as minor as this for some reason made me glow with pride. As the
Chief walked into the Superintendents’ office, the Super gave me a look that
said “Ok you’ve done your bit, now bugger off”.

So, I dutifully ‘buggered off’ back to the office, thankful that I had polished
my boots and ironed my uniform that day.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .

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