PW_2_2023

Article

A Sheriff Comes to Town Steve Fuller, Kent & South East London Branch

Rod Bell and Mary-Lynne outside NSY

I have been an IPA member for over 10 years, I was a Forensic Practitioner in the Met, retiring in 2013. I had often thought about meeting fellow IPA members travelling from abroad to the UK, however due to caring and other commitments it never seemed to be the right time. I then received an email asking for volunteers to host some Officers from abroad, including Rod Bell, who was spending a weekend in London with his Girlfriend Mary-Lynne. Rod had been a Deputy Sheriff with Broward County Sheriff’s Office Florida, and had also retired in 2013. He is currently working in security at Disney World Florida.

I contacted Alex Williams, the IPA London Reception Officer , who after a chat about the expectations for meeting a visitor, set up a WhatsApp group to enable me to introduce myself and communicate directly with Rod. We exchanged messages about various aspects of his visit, including the weather and what clothing would be required. Rod has visited before and had already planned a comprehensive schedule for his visit. But he was able to meet Chris, a serving MET Officer, for lunch on Saturday, then I arranged to meet him for the Changing of the Guard on Sunday. Afterwards we enjoyed a walk through Horse Guards and Whitehall via the Cenotaph, Downing Street and refreshed ourselves with a swift pint at the The Red Lion Pub (Rod is very keen on English Ale). Rod was very interested and knowledgeable in British History, and I showed him the Guards Memorial. We talked about the unique differences in uniforms and insignia between the Five regiments of Footguards (my late father was a Grenadier, a Met CID Officer and IPA member).

As Rod was travelling with his girlfriend, my wife accompanied me and she and Mary Lynne struck up a rapport as soon as they met.

We had a lovely lunch on the River at the Tattershall Castle , a former passenger ferry now moored on the Thames at Victoria Embankment. We exchanged mementoes and then parted, as Rod had further plans. We hope to meet soon in Florida. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our day and for any IPA members thinking about taking the plunge of hosting International Visitors, I can highly recommend it. Thanks to Alex who was a great help and support in facilitating our meeting.

Rod Bell and Mary-Lynne

Nottinghamshire Memories Nottinghamshire Branch Chairman Tony Berrington, used their AGM as an opportunity to present some long service certificates. Dee Gladden received a 45 Year Certificate and Tony Champion, 30 Years. L ong service suggests an interesting life , and Police World likes to hear these stories. Tony Champion passed on some of his recollections. I have enjoyed some very positive experiences during my 30+ years of IPA membership, notably;

• in the 90’s I toured Denmark and stayed in one of their IPA houses, where we were greeted by a contingent of IPA members who had prepared a reception/barbecue on our behalf. The Danish Regional Chairman and his wife met us in Copenhagen, where we were driven to its major tourist spots and shared a memorable lunch at the Royal Copenhagen Yacht club. • in 2010 I served on secondment in Europe, where European colleagues frequently enquired whether I was an IPA member. They certainly coveted the status IPA membership provided them. • in April 2023, along with my wife and 2 friends, I am visiting the Normandy Landings sites and Museums. The Normandy IPA Vice-President and his team have offered to advise and host part of our visit.

• in the late 80’s my wife and I were hosted by officers from the LAPD, who allowed us to stay and socialise in their homes. Professionally, I was taken on patrol in a cruiser, visited the shooting range and was offered a tour in one of their choppers.

Tony Champion Collecting his Uniform in 1980

A French colleague’s daughter visiting Tony Champion’s home home in 1982

Tony Berringon presenting certificates to Dee and Tony

10

POLICE WORLD Vol 68 No.2, 2023