Police Staff Volunteer and former Special Sergeant sails out for the last time

Sailing out for the last time, Police Staff Volunteer and former Special Sergeant Dave Collins helped show case the Marine Unit’s new police boat, the Defender, before retiring from the force after more than 25 years’ service.

Beginning his career in 1999, Dave spent thirteen years as a Special Constable in Fareham and Bishops Waltham before joining the Marine Unit as a Special Sergeant in 2012. Dave underwent training to become qualified as second crew and spent at least one shift a week supporting the team on the boats carrying out patrols and operations along the 287 miles of coastline around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.​

Retiring from the Special Constabulary in 2017, Dave became a Police Support Volunteer remaining with the Marine Unit where he was known as “the honorary bosun”. Amongst a number of duties, Dave’s most vital role would be to carry out the tests and checks on the all the boats to ensure they complied with the requirements of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Carrying out these important duties meant he was able to keep the boats afloat, and ensure the safety of the crew on-board, while freeing up time of officers to enable them to carry on with other work.​

He was joined on the RHIB (rigid-hulled inflatable boat) by Chief Constable Scott Chilton, Chief Superintendent Darren O’Callaghan and Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones. He was presented with a certificate from the Chief to honour his service, and the difference volunteers like him make to the Constabulary and communities.​

Looking back on his career, Dave recalls a proud moment from his time in the Marine Unit: “In 2016 I was on board Commander when we answered a mayday call from a yacht which had got into difficulty just off the Needles while taking part in the round the island race. First on the scene, it was evident that despite it's skippers hopes, that getting the crew off was our priority and fortunately we were able to get four of the crew off before the RNLI arrived to rescue the remaining two crew members, before the vessel quickly sank.”​

Chief Superintendent Darren O’Callaghan, said: “Dave has been an exemplar for both the contribution of our volunteers and for the strong public service that is delivered through our Marine Unit.​

“With his significant expertise and astonishing personal commitment to policing and to the public, he really stands out and he should be so proud. ​

“I'm so grateful for all of Dave’s work and would like to thank him on behalf of the Constabulary.” ​

PC Mark Arnold from the Marine Unit, said: “I have worked with Dave since I joined the Marine Unit eight years ago and honestly say he will be missed.​

“As a qualified crew member he would regularly support us out on patrol and on pre-planned operations. He would also take pride in keeping the fleet looking smart and carry out all the monthly checks that needed to be done to keep us operational.​

“Dave, you’ll be missed.”​

Looking forward to his retirement, Dave said: “I’ve always liked to do something else alongside my day job. While working in London, as an engineer for IBM, I joined the Territorial Army. When my job took me to Portsmouth, I joined the Royal Navy’s Royal Auxiliary Service, before eventually joining the Constabulary as a Special Constable. Although I enjoyed my day job I felt I wanted to do something else with my spare time, to give back to the community and help make a difference. I have found working with the Constabulary incredibly rewarding; it has given me a break from ‘the day job’ and enabled me to experience many things I might not ever have had chance to do.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with the Constabulary and am proud to have been part of the organisation.”​

If you’d like to know more about becoming a Special Constable, please visit our website -https://www.hampshire.police.uk/police-forces/hampshire-constabulary/areas/careers/careers/special-constables/

We also have a variety of Police Support Volunteer roles across the force, which you can find out about by going to https://www.hampshire.police.uk/police-forces/hampshire-constabulary/areas/careers/careers/police-support-volunteers/