Helping the Police Family financially Helping the Police Family financially

No1 CopperPot was founded in 1986 to help the Police Family financially. We imagined a lot of you had a good reason to join the Police Family too.

To celebrate our anniversary, we asked you why you joined the police.

Here are our 10 winners, plus some extra stories which we couldn't leave out! Helping the Police Family financially

7-year-old me joined the police because I wanted to arrest the baddies and send them to jail!

15-year-old me joined the police because I wanted to make people feel as safe as the police made me feel when I was the most scared I had ever been.

24-year-old me joined the police because I needed to buckle down and start a proper career, time to stop messing around!

30-year-old me realises I joined the police 6 years ago because I genuinely care.

What you do makes a difference, and you need to decide what sort of difference you want to make! Every person's life I enter at work changes right there in that very second, and I am confident that I am making a difference by caring and acting in small ways as well as in the big moments.

"Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person". Chantelle Helping the Police Family financially

On the 7th July 2005 I was working in Russell Square, London. I left Russell Square tube station, making my way to the building I was working at, only minutes before the bomb went off. I also walked through Tavistock Square only 20 minutes before the bus bomb.

I heard the explosion and straight away knew it was a bomb, I was on the phone to my father at the time and told him straight away what it was and that I had to go.

I was managing around 20 removal men at the time and knew I had to get them out of the area. We all climbed into a small lorry and I got them away. I could see all the emergency services rushing to different scenes which was a sight I will never forget.

From that moment on I knew how lucky I was and wanted to help others. Seeing everything going on made me want to be on the other side of that barrier tape.

A year later was my first day of training with .

Douglas Thames Valley Police Helping the Police Family financially

I joined the police as a cadet

It was my best decision yet

For 30 years I walked the beat

With the public that I loved to meet

A different challenge every day

Never knowing what may come my way

Some days good, some days bad

Some days happy, some days sad

Meeting anger, violence and even death

Hardly pausing sometimes to take a breath

But, through it all a sense of pride

And satisfaction, deep inside

To help give the public inner peace

That is why I joined the Police.

David South Wales and Helping the Police Family financially

I grew up in the 1980s within a working class home. Whilst money was tight and jobs were scarce, if nothing else we grew up with love. As a kid and even now in adult life, my passion was fishing. Most summer evenings after school and all summer holidays I fished, it kept me out of trouble.

For my 10th birthday my parents bought me a new fishing set. I had wanted it for what seems an age but they couldn’t afford to just buy it me. I later learned my parents did extra shifts to buy me this tackle. It was my pride and joy, even to this day I have it.

That summer our house was broken into. Along with some of my dads tools and my brothers bike, the thief stole my prized fishing tackle. I was devastated.

Several weeks later as I was walking home from school, I spotted my fishing tackle in the window of a local second hand shop. It was unmistakably mine and I could see where my stickers had been removed. My mum politely explained to the shop owner and politely explain that the tackle was mine and it had been stolen.

I remember the man being rude to my mum and told her he would not return it, but sell it to her for a discounted price. We just didn’t have the money and I remember walking out of the shop feeling angry and upset. As we left the shop my mum spotted a local Bobby walking towards us and immediately sensed something was wrong. Enquiring as to if we were okay, my mum told him what had happened and the shopkeepers response and I vividly remember the Bobby saying,

"Don’t worry love, this is why I joined the police, to help people."

He asked me to describe my fishing tackle and told us to wait nearby. He went inside and within a matter of minutes came back out and invited us both inside the shop. He told my mum that the shopkeeper had kindly agreed to return my goods and ensured the man apologised to my mum.

I was only 10 but I knew then and there I wanted to be a copper. I couldn’t put it into words what the officer did for me and my mum. He could have walked away, he could have ignored us but he didn’t. He did the right thing and proved to my mum that some police were good. He gave her the ability to walk out of that shop with her head up and he gave me a lifetime of summers and happy memories fishing.

He gave me the appetite and drive to join the police and here I am 20 years later doing my best every day and never forgetting what it means to do right by people.

Thank you PC John Stone. I will never forget your name.

Martin Greater Manchester Police Helping the Police Family financially

I worked in high net worth insurance, had a good salary and spent my days talking with millionaires.

Then I decided to do volunteer work with the homeless and spent my days seeing two polar ends of society.

The hardships faced broke my heart and I wanted to do more.

So I ended my career where money drove everything and joined the police to do more.

My bank account regrets it. My heart never has.

Thames Valley Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

Growing up, I changed my mind regarding my future career depending on what film I'd watched recently.

After watching Speed I wanted to join the bomb squad.

Top Gun, a pilot... you get the gist.

Despite this, there was always a common theme, that I wanted to help others and to make a difference!

I think that's what most of us want when we join the Police.

After 13 years as a frontline officer, my passion for the job and values remain the same.

Helping others is what I do best and I will continue to do so until my final day and beyond. Rachael Helping the Police Family financially

From the age of 12 years old I became a child carer for my Father, who was a sufferer of Multiple Sclerosis. My parents separated when I was 10 so other than extended family, I lived alone with my father. I had a happy upbringing and attended school alongside my home responsibilities as normal. Due to this, I did not receive qualifications that I would normally have done as my mind and loyalty was elsewhere, but I was confident that this would not hold me back in the future. On leaving school I obtained a variety of experiences in different working roles.

My father unfortunately died when I was 17. Although I was learning a trade, I was never happy as felt I wasn’t helping people, something I had grown up doing. I was made aware when I got into my early 30’s that the Police did not require you to have any academic qualifications with life experience and common sense being the main attributes of an officer. I applied in the confidence that I could fulfil this ambition and major career change in order for me to start helping people again.

Proud to have attained the post of nearly 18 years ago making my family, including my father I’m sure, extremely proud.

Greater Manchester Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

I had joined a Tae Kwon Do class along with my son who had been at school for a couple of years and I was ready to start working again.

During a sparring session, I was teamed up with a 6' 3" well built male, I am 5'3". Somehow, I managed to land an excellent (semi contact) right jab into his lower ribs.

It turns out this man was an Inspector at GMP.

He was so impressed with my determination and fearless approach that he approached me after class and talked to me about joining GMP, and the rest is history!

Elaine Greater Manchester Police Helping the Police Family financially

I joined the Police because I was told that it is not a job for women to do and definitely not for an Asian woman. So I joined the Police to encourage others like myself to join and to get rid of any misconceptions that people have about it.

Since I have joined, a lot of people have judged me and tried to tell me 'horror' stories about working in the Police and my answer always has been the same to all of these people.

I tell them it was my choice to join the Police and it will only be my choice to leave. Nobody's horror stories can change my view and decisions about the Police or the work we do.

I am proud to be a serving Police Officer and wish this decision of mine encourages more females like myself to make their own choices.

Greater Manchester Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

Since my teenage years I wanted to do something that was impactive, made a difference and was not just an everyday normal job. I wanted to be a Police Officer. It was only after leaving school at 16 that I realised this, as before hand I didn’t really know what it was I wanted to do. I only had one other interest and that was gardening (complete opposite type of job I know)!

At the age of 18 I applied to be a Police Officer for , and I was massively disappointed when I didn’t even get through the paper sift phase of the application. So instead I worked as a self employed gardener for the next 7 years. Looking back now, I realise I did not have the life experience required to fulfil such a demanding role.

At the age of 25 I was a victim of a theft crime whereby my sons birthday present was stolen from my own doorstep. This upset my young family. However, I played a key part in providing good evidence to the Police to convict the offender of that crime and I could see and feel the positive effect it had on my family, more so than how it made me feel. This sparked my passion and desire to join the police again. The requirements to join the police had changed from my application 7 years prior, it was mandatory to have A-Level qualifications which I did not have. I joined Kent Police as a PCSO which did not need those requirements. I spent 3 years working in that role which was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable roles I have ever done. In 2018 I used my PCSO status to join up as Police Officer and I haven’t looked back since.

I’m currently 3 years in service in that role, taser and response driver trained, and now starting the process of promotion to Sergeant. I think my story shows that you should never give up.

Even when things set you back in life you should still work hard to try and get where you want to go, anything is possible. Now, I get to see the smiles and relief on people’s faces when I make a positive impact on their life everyday. Just how my own family looked when we were victims of crime all those years ago and got the result we wanted. Nathan Kent Police Helping the Police Family financially

Here are some extra stories we didn't want to miss out... Helping the Police Family financially

I always wanted to work for the police but never thought I could do it. When I was 43 I was made redundant and saw an advert for a Communications Operator working in the control room. I was originally a call taker then progressed to being a radio operator 17 years ago and I dispatch out jobs to the officers - the job is so interesting and varied. It can be heart breaking but also quite entertaining.

One caller in the middle of the night asked what he could put in his tea as he’d run out of milk!

I feel I make a difference and love working shifts. I work with a great team and most of the time feel valued. I will miss it when I retire in a couple of years time.

Greater Manchester Police Staff Helping the Police Family financially

When I was little there was Postman Pat, Action Man, Fireman Sam and many more. But there was no policeman, and now I’m to old for chase from Paw Patrol! But there were all these options but I wanted something that wasn’t there!

I’ve always wanted to help people, lock up bad guys and drive fast cars, now I get paid to do it!

Bedfordshire Police Officer

I’d been involved with the mob for many years managing several henchmen and businesses involved in racketeering and illegal gambling.

I joined the Police because the big boss Carlo Gambino wanted my wife for his own so I defected, joined the Police as a PCSO and helped bring his empire crashing down.

I’m currently in discussions over film rights to my story. It’s gonna be big, I tell ya! Officer Helping the Police Family financially

1980 I became a cop, To lock up burglars and make cars stop. Camaraderie, excitement and having a thrill, That’s what I saw when watching ‘The Bill’. I also watched ‘Dixon of Dock Green’, Having a Full English, every shift in the canteen. That I fancied, I seemed to recollect, Before arresting a ‘Prime Suspect’. Uniform, Dogs or riding a horse, Hoped to work with ‘Inspector Morse’. Helping the vulnerable and those who got lost, Might meet ‘Vera’ or ‘Inspector Frost’. I joined the CopperPot in 86, Watched ‘The Sweeney’ and ‘New Tricks’. Community Safety from those that cheat, Cracked rural crime, whilst watching ‘Heartbeat’. TV was my influence, as you can see, I had common sense, but no degree. 30 years and no regret, CopperPot helped me, to keep out of debt. My police service was my life, Knowledge learnt, now helps my wife. Although clearly, she still has doubt, What’s a CHIS, I hear her shout. “What’s that for, my little cutie”?’ “It’s series 6 of a Line of Duty”. “MIT”, I hear her scream, “That will be the Major Incident Team”. “OCG’s, what are they”? Organised Crime Groups must now be in play. Happy to help, although I’m trying to nod, She’s shouting again, I’m tempted to reply, “oh Mother of God”!

Retired Greater Manchester Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

This sounds like the an X Factor entry (add emotional music here). I joined the police after my sister died. Two weeks before she died we discussed it and I was working for our parents at the time and didn’t want to let them down. She told me that I didn’t need to worry about that and go for it!

A year after she died I started as a PCSO and 2 years later I joined as a PC!

12 years later I’m a DC and still love “the job”. I have my sisters Mass card in my warrant card holder and on the rubbish days I am reminded that I am gifted with the today she has missed out on!

Warwickshire Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

In my younger days as a labourer, I was on a job that involved removing a large petrol tank from underground. It all had to be done by hand because of the potential risk posed by any petrol that may have been left in the tank.

I was dropped off, in the pouring rain, erected a make shift cover to try and keep me dry and set off working. The rain never eased up and the deeper I dug the wetter and heavier the soil became and the makeshift shelter was as much use as a chocolate fire guard.

After a couple of hours I stopped to have a brew (as was the norm in the building industry) and whilst pondering my life, sat drinking tea in the pouring rain, I thought there must be an easier way of earning a living.

I took in my surroundings and then it suddenly dawned on me...

The petrol tank I was removing was in the yard of Kirkham Police Station!

Retired Greater Manchester Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

I thought the application was to become train driver, next thing I knew I had an interview with the police haha!

Only joking.

I joined because my father was a Police Officer and the apple never falls far from the tree. He inspired me at an early age. I tried several jobs working in the city and was a part qualified accountant, but the pull to follow in my father's footsteps was always in my heart.

I'd always said I wanted join the police as a child, but that changed as I grew older for some reason, however that childhood dream never went away.

I just felt like that's where I belonged and I can honestly say I made the right decision.

Retired Metropolitan Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

I was unable to wear a cape and fly, I struggled to see through walls and hated getting wet in the rain, hated climbing ladders or heights. Tried saying magic words to become invisible and lifting cars was impossible.

Decided the cops was the next best thing.

Leicestershire Police Officer

I wanted to be part of something big that actually made a difference.

It’s easy to think how we often deal with the evil and bad things in life but I see it as an opportunity to actually be the light in the dark some people need.

Plus driving fast cars/bikes is always a plus... and the occasional free coffee... oh, and the missus likes the uniform! Metropolitan Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

I was in my last year at school and on lunch break walking past Cheadle Police Station in Stockport. An old Sergeant was having a crafty fag. He shouted over to me,

"What you doing?"

For the life of me I couldn’t think that I’d done anything wrong! He called me over, handed me a Police application form and told me to get it filled in.

I did.

Thirty years service. Now retired.

I guess recruiting was different in 1979!

Retired Greater Manchester Police Officer

My dad was a serving Police Officer. He was quite strict and always said I should be a social worker as I was too ‘soft’ to be in the police. I wanted to prove him wrong .

18 years later, one Chief Constable's commendation for bravery and two promotions later, he still refuses to call me sir! Greater Manchester Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

I was 17 years old and in Hampson's cake shop buying a cheese and onion pasty when I saw 2 Police Officers in front of me getting refs.

At that moment something clicked and I decided on the spot that’s what I wanted to do.

So you could say it’s all the cheese and onion pasty’s fault!

Greater Manchester Police Officer

I wanted to do something interesting and worthwhile, that meant I got to be outside for some of the time. I wanted to lock up baddies. I didn't want to have to fuss about choosing what to wear to work.

I didn't like some of the things I heard about racist attitudes amongst officers. I thought that if I was in the police I could do something to change that.

Also the pay was good and I didn't need any qualifications.

Greater Manchester Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

I joined the police to follow in my fathers footsteps.

From a young age I wanted to follow him and drive all the cool police cars and chase the baddies, but growing up I realised it was much more than that. It’s about helping people, protecting people from harm and fighting crime...

Oh, and cakes... it’s definitely about cakes!

I joined the best job in the world.

Northamptonshire Police Officer

I grew up watching my dad help people on some of the worst days of their lives (he was a traffic officer for 20 of his 30 years of service). He would do everything he could to get justice for victims and their families.

I spent many a night as a kid waiting up for him to get home and as a civilian controller. I want to make sure my officers get home to their families safely every shift and to make sure victims get the service they deserve when they have that worst day. Hampshire Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

I was inspired by my brother who was already a police officer. We both still lived with our parents, and as we sat around the dining table, mom would ask what we did that day at work.

“What have you done today Matty” she would ask me. I worked in a bank as a Financial Adviser.

“Well I set up a mortgage, invested some money and wrote a will” I would respond.

My brother would then be asked “What about you Andy?”

He would respond with, “Well I arrested a burglar today."

Or describe how he had to force entry to a house as the old lady had collapsed. Or share the sad story about how he had to let a family know their 15 year old son had hung himself.

I was transfixed, and in awe of all that he did on a daily basis. So I decided one day to jack in my stable and safe career, to follow in my younger brothers footsteps.

I have never looked back, this is truly the best job in the world. Police Officer Helping the Police Family financially

It was always a childhood dream to be a Police Officer.

After 215 years service I still get the same buzz.

It's been a pleasure to service the public and detect crime.

Merseyside Police Officer

I wanted to join the police after watching "The Bill". It was one of my favourite shows growing up. Even though it was fiction, solving crime, catching bad guys, helping people. I just knew I wanted to do that myself.

When an opportunity arose to apply with my force, I jumped on it.

Haven't looked back since!

Bedfordshire Police Officer T: 0161 741 3160 E: [email protected] W: www.no1copperpot.com

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