Allan Blackburn completed his final shift after 23 years as a Rhondda PCSO, the day before his 70th birthday.
It brings an end to 32 years of total service, having spent ten years as a special constable with South Wales Police before he became one of the very first PCSOs to be recruited back in 2003.
His service has been exemplary and there are many highlights – one of the most significant contributions being the part he played setting up a boxing club for young people in 2010. The club proved to be a massive success and resulted in a decrease in anti-social behaviour – it became a blueprint for projects in other places across the valleys.
In 2013, he made headlines when the 6ft 3 ex-boxer showed his gentle side. He and a colleague jumped into action to control traffic on Collena Road, Tonyrefail, to save a ferret which had escaped and was at risk of getting run over. Allan, who once owned ferrets himself, scooped her off the tarmac and took her to the police station – he named her ‘Bobbie’ before finding her a new home.
That same year, Allan received an award from his former school after reducing theft and vandalism, and in 2014, he was handed the Shrievalty Cup at a South Wales Police Awards ceremony for his work in the community.
Inspector Andrew Gibbons, said: “Allan grew up in and lived for many years in Tonyrefail, where he served the majority of his service. This equipped him well for the role – he knows most people and understands them. It is what we want from our PCSOs and he spent years leading by example and making a difference. He has been a real asset to both South Wales Police and the community, and the fact that he intends to stay involved with the boxing club into his retirement really sums him up – brilliant. I’d like everybody to join me in wishing him a well-earned, wonderful retirement.”
On behalf of everyone, thank you Allan! Enjoy your retirement – you’ve earned it!
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