Essex Police Volunteer Retires After 41 Years Inspired by Crime

Howard Rayner retired after 40+ years as a volunteer officer. He was inspired after catching a shop window vandal. Howard worked as a volunteer for 41 years. Howard, age 68, joined Essex Police back in 1983.

He balanced police work with a job at a tile company. His service earned him the British Empire Medal in 2019. He also received recognition from Lord Ferrers. Howard joined after catching the shop window vandal. The officer on scene suggested he apply. Howard and that officer are still friends now.

Howard served under seven chief constables. Policing gave him unique life experiences. He oversaw 60+ officers in Chelmsford and Braintree. He felt it was time for him to retire. Howard said others should step up now. Younger officers are ready to progress onward.

The Special Constabulary has a great skills base. The officers and their training are very good. He will miss the friendship and camaraderie he felt. He will still see many of his former colleagues. He found satisfaction in serving; most people still appreciate the police.

Howard thinks society changed a lot, with technology advancements as the most noticeable change. He cites two trips to New York as highlights. These trips were for memorial visits to Ground Zero. Marching with other officers felt moving to him. Hearing 3,000 names read aloud was emotional. It was hard not to cry during that moment.

Essex Police’s Special Constabulary commits 16 hours monthly. They are fully operational with the same powers. Recruiting volunteers is hard in a difficult economy. The skills developed are priceless, he said. Being a Special becomes your way of life; you will then make great friends there.

He learned to manage people and support them. These skills helped his business career too. You can experience policing excitement, and you also help keep your community safe. He will miss having a warrant card. He has five grandchildren, with one more arriving. He and his wife plan to travel.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington praised Howard’s service. He called Howard’s dedication to Essex people exceptional. Committing 40+ years is extraordinary. He balanced business, family, and police work. Their Special Constabulary is one of the country’s best. It provides vital work across Essex communities. Rayner greatly helped policing in this area. Harrington wished him a happy retirement. He is glad Howard will continue volunteering.