If you’ve needed the help of the police over the last few years (or had your collar felt) then you may recognise Inspector Glenn Cairns.
Having served as one of the Island’s most experienced senior police officers and with 32 years service with the Hampshire Constabulary, Inspector Cairns served his last day on the job on Boxing Day.
Over the years he has served in Bitterne, Portsmouth, Alton, Aldershot, Farnborough, Havant, Netley, Cosham, and Eastleigh, spending the last nine years here on the Isle of Wight.
Inspector Cairns has held a wide variety of roles in areas including roads policing on both cars and bikes, public order, firearms, custody, security, licensing, and targeted patrols.
As well as heading up search operations for the visits of 44 VIPs from around the world, including US President Bill Clinton, Glenn has made a huge contribution to the welfare of the force through his involvement with the force lottery, rugby club, and various other sports and social groups.
On leaving the organisation, he said:
“It will be a huge change. Being in the police service, being part of the community, serving the public professionally and as a volunteer has been rewarding, and has totally consumed my energies for over half of my life.
“I have had some sad times, seen some terrible things, but I wouldn’t swap it for anything. They have been outweighed by the positive experiences of working with, being taught by, and commanded by, some very lovely, dedicated, intelligent people.
“I am pleased to be finishing still on the streets; working frontline 24/7 shifts after 32 years, because that is where, in my humble opinion, the cut and thrust and fast time policing job really is and always will be.
“In retirement I intend to relax, continue to help the local community when I am able, and spend as much time on the water as possible.”
We wish him well in his retirement.
