I was wondering what to write. Then thought I’ll just post the email I sent all my colleagues. It’s long so happy reading. And so it’s time. After 25 years I am retiring on the 31st I just wanted to write a quick email to some of those that I’ve worked with (that I can remember) to say a formal goodbye.   To say Policing has changed since I was on course 01 of 2000 would be an understatement. From writing off jobs as “LOB” (if you know, you know), taking reports of stolen car stereos, Op Cordless telephone kiosk breaks, woolly pully jumpers, no stab vests, no PPN’s and 1 litre Ford Escorts (but 3 litre BMW Area Car’s). To the modern day…. An indescribable change. The advent of Social Media, Ring Doorbells, even mobile phones and especially the paperwork.    My 25 years have covered mostly response, but also DCID, Burglary Unit and Tasking Teams before ending on Neighbourhoods and the last 18 months just trying to get a George Medal for “Services to CPS Advice files” due to my fractured mental health when the cPTSD caught up with me.   This job is without a doubt one of the hardest, both physically at times but also mentally. We stick ourselves in harms way, get no thanks and a lot of grief, as they say, nobody calls the Police to say they’re having a good day. But one thing about this silly job that keeps us here, doing what we do, is the people we work with. I have spent the last 25 years working with literal heroes every day. The funniest, kindest, supportive, crazy (in a good way), nicest colleagues I could ever asked for. We’ve laughed, cried, screamed, been terrified and also become utterly bemused together. I don’t think many of us would stay in this role if it wasn’t for our friends and colleagues that we spend so much time with,…………… doing “the job”.   The years on response ended up with me becoming mentally scarred (which is partly my own fault – Get that “Trim” if its offered or counselling if you think you’re having a wobble – I DIDN’T UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE) but I wouldn’t change anything for the world. Despite its many many many faults, this job is still the best job in the world and still (as one US Series put it) A front row seat to the greatest show on earth. The very best jobs will outweigh the very worst jobs in my memories. It was described to me when I joined as 95% boredom, 5% sheer terror, yet we stay for that 5% adrenalin jolt as much as the people we work with.   I have no idea what I am going to do next apart from a few months off to decompress and try and start a photography company. I’ll also probably be quite vocal on the Social Media and elsewhere raising awareness for PTSD amongst front line Police officers, something that is obviously now close to my heart.   I’m not having a “leaving do” as don’t really do Socials anymore, however on the 31st of January I shall raise a glass to you all. Keep safe out there and thank you for all you do.   3160, HY103 and formally usually always ZV95 ………………… STATE 11 GOODNIGHT   Jonny G