A POPULAR community police officer was given a surprise send off as he retires from the force after 30 years.
Colleagues and friends of PC Dave Pickles, who has been a familiar face in Saddleworth for 12 years, gathered at Uppermill police station to wish him well on his last day.
Making a farewell presentation, Inspector Danilo Milovanovic, said: “Dave is a hugely experienced officer and respected by everyone. He’s a man who could be depended upon.
“When he joined the police he said he wanted to serve the community with warmth and humility – and he’s done that with abundance.”
Father of two PC Pickles, whose father and uncle were both police officers, said: “It’s been an honour to work up here.
“I really have enjoyed working with the community, my fellow officers and PCSOs.”
Caroline Ball, GMP’s Oldham Divisional commander, joined well-wishers lavishing accolades on PC Dave Pickles, who she worked with for eight years.
She said: “He is a proper ‘copper’ who cares about the people who live and work on his patch.
“Dave will always do what he says he will and I have found he will always tell me what is really going on, rather than telling me what I want to hear.
“I am sure people will join me in wishing Dave a very happy retirement,” she added.
“He should reflect on a very successful career where he has made a real difference to our communities and I am grateful for all he has done.”
Dr Andrew Taylor, chair of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents Association (GGRA), added: “PC Pickes was always available for advice or a chat.
“He provided GGRA’s meetings with a full police report, and as often as not, dashing off to implement a cunning plan to keep our properties safe.”
Mike Nield, leader of Oldham’s Mountain Rescue Team, commented: “Dave has been a big supporter Oldham MRT not only as a police officer but in general.
“He always treated our members with professional courtesy and, as a community officer, he’ll be a big loss to the area.”
PC Pickles, a governor at Greenfield primary school, met his wife Beverly while they were both on duty covering Oldham Athletic.
She said proudly: “He is a quiet man and family is his all – along with Blackburn Rovers.
“He has seen many changes in the job but has always been consistent, reliable and conscientious.”
