'They made policing look good' - Inspector Hume

Don Mitchell, the area Crime Prevention Officer and Colin Gibson, Schools’ Liaison Officer, officially called it a day at a farewell function in the Royal Court on Wednesday last attended by friends and colleagues.

Inspector Bryan Hume, who worked with the two men for the past five years, said they were greatly respected not only by their colleagues but by all sections of the community.

He commented: “These men will have each served close on 30 years and not only are they respected but very experienced.

“I worked with them for the past five years and they just got on with the job without much direction. They did excellent work behind the scenes and made policing look very good. They will be sadly missed and their absence will undoubtedly leave big gaps.”

Offering further praise, Inspector Hume said that both men could be given directions at the beginning of the year and all of the tasks would be completed professionaly and to a very high standard.

He added: “Don helped establish the Vulnerable Isolated Persons (VIP) scheme along with the other partners and it brought a great deal of comfort to many citizens throughout North Antrim.

“Colin often worked unsocial hours and spent much time around schools teaching them, amongst other things, about good citizenship. He had all the schools to deal with in Moyle and Ballymoney which is unprecedented compared with other areas.”

Area Commander, Chief Inspector John Magill, was present at the Royal Court to hand over gifts to both men and wish them well in their retirement.