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At this year’s Catterick Summer Fete North Yorkshire Police’s local neighbourhood policing team met 31-year-old Lance who has a keen passion for the police.
Sadly, Lance has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and is also visually impaired. His condition has deteriorated over the years which means he now struggles to walk.
At the fete, Lance visited the police stand where he was introduced to PCSO Nicole Randall and PC Lisa Recchia. He was telling them all about his keen interest for the police and how it's his lifelong ambition to become a police officer.
Sadly, due to his disabilities Lance will never become a police officer but that didn’t stop PCSO Randall and PC Recchia planning a very special treat for Lance.
As a keen police enthusiast, Lance is of course a big fan of the Channel 5 programme “Traffic Cops”. Nicole and Lisa contacted one of the stars of the show, North Yorkshire Police’s Sergeant Paul Cording who featured in the latest series to see if he would make a special trip to Catterick.
Last week, Sergeant Cording washed down one of the force’s newest police BMWs and along with Nicole and Lisa headed to Lance’s home address. The officers spent time answering the many questions that he had about what life is like on the beat in North Yorkshire.
Lance was given the opportunity to sit in the traffic car and was even allowed to turn the lights and sirens on! Sergeant Paul Cording also showed him how to operate the stinger (or it could have been the other way round!).
North Yorkshire Police always strives to ensure that its officers are looking smart and of course Lance was dressed for the occasion in full police uniform. Lance was displaying the Inspectors pips which means he is Superior to Nicole, Lisa and Paul. Good luck with that Lance!
Nicole, Lisa and Paul presented Lance with a framed North Yorkshire Police crest which is now going to take centre place in his dining room!
Lance’s Mum is Marion, she added:
“My son Lance is 31 years old, and has many disabilities, he uses a walker at home and a wheelchair when he's out and about. He also has carers helping him daily with his tasks.
“Ever since he was a young boy, he has always had a fascination with the police and constantly told me he was going to be a police officer. When were out and about he uses a toy walkie talkie to report all the naughty motorists!
“Lance’s ambition is to be a police officer; he has even informed me that he is going to marry a police lady so he can join the force. He knows all about the stinger and TPAC from constantly watching Traffic Cops.
“My son sadly will never be able to join the police because of all his disabilities but his passion is paramount.”
Lance’s sister Jennette added:
“We want to say thank you to the police as a family, we know how hard your job can be.
“Thank you for the kindness and the joy you have brought to my brother, he really loves everyone just for being you, so thank you”.
North Yorkshire Police’s head of Specialist Operations, Superintendent Alex Butterfield commented:
“I was delighted to hear all about the visit that we made to Lance’s house. Nicole, Lisa and Paul were honoured to be able to organise this special occasion for such a courageous and inspirational person.
“We strive to be at the heart of the communities that we serve, so it was our pleasure to be able to surprise this keen advocate for the force.
“From all of us here at North Yorkshire Police, Thank you for the support Lance.”