Rickmansworth-based Special Constabulary Chief Inspector Ron McMurdie celebrates 40 years of voluntary service this year.
Ron joined the special constabulary in 1978, posted in Watford for two years before transferring to Rickmansworth as a Sergeant.
It didn’t take long for Ron to work his way further up the ladder – he was promoted again to Inspector in 1982. He is now Chief Inspector and has been in post since March 2018.
Speaking of his latest role, Ron said: “The role is a new challenge for me, although I still love my Friday nights on duty in Rickmansworth supporting the intervention team.”
Over Ron’s 40 years of service, plenty of aspects have improved in the Specials unit. He said: “Perceptions of Specials have vastly changed since I started.
“You weren’t trusted to hold a torch back then but now our Specials are fully integrated with regular officers, working shoulder to shoulder.
“We’re the victims of our own success because we are called upon more and more. The training is much better and there’s so much support available.”
Ron will have no trouble adjusting to being called upon regularly – giving an average of 30 hours per month since the beginning of his Special career, he has completed thousands of volunteering hours already.
To him, however, it hasn’t felt as lengthy as one would expect. I have really enjoyed the past 40 years. It’s gone so quickly and it’s quite emotional looking back.
“I’ve no plans to stop just yet,” he continued: “In fact, I’m giving more time than ever before.”
He will also be attending the Special Constabulary Rosette dinner, a black-tie event at the Honourable Artillery Company in the City of London, which celebrates Specials with 19 or more years’ service.
He will be presented with a rosette in front of two close colleagues, Special Chief Officer Mark Kendrew and other Special Constables from across the country.
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