Pride as father and daughter join forces
Commander praises ‘unwavering enthusiasm’
A HILLINGDON police officer spent his first Father’s Day serving alongside his daughter this year.
Police Sergeant David Wright, 59, was joined by his police constable daughter Lucy – who only completed her exams and training in January – on Sunday June 21.
And it was cause for double celebration as the weekend also fell on Lucy’s 22nd birthday.
Sgt Wright, who has policed Heathrow Airport and served in Diplomatic Protection during his 36 years on the force, and is now an emergency response officer said it was a “complete surprise” when his daughter passed her police exams.
He said: “She never even told me she considered a career policing. Seeing Lucy at work fills me with so much pride. I know that my commitment and excitement for the job must have rubbed off on Lucy. I enjoy the job now just as much as I did 36 years ago, and I wouldn’t change anything about the path I took. Lucy joining the service is a true gift to me as a father and I know she will go far in everything she does. She is such a great talent.”
Lucy said that while growing up she was “intrigued” by stories of her dad’s work and was interested in the people and situations he encountered. She said: “I would love to hear about the criminals he would catch. He inspired me to join the police, and from the first moment I took to the streets I knew this job was for me.
“I’m lucky to be working in the same borough and unit as my dad and it does have its perks. I get the same excitement about hearing his stories, and now I can share my own, and listen to his advice as a colleague.”
David and Lucy experienced a personal tragedy four years ago when David’s wife, Lucy’s mother, died in a fatal collision in Wiltshire as a result of a drunk driver. The woman driver was subsequently jailed for eight and a half years.
Lucy added: “One of my first arrests earlier this year was of a man who was displaying signs of drink driving. He has since been charged, dealt with by the courts and disqualified from driving.
“This is already the most rewarding arrest I’ve made, and if I can protect the public I know I’m making a real difference.”
Hillingdon Borough Commander Nick Downing said: “You can’t help but smile when you are in the company of Dave and Lucy. They may be at different ends of their service, but it is hard to distinguish who has just started their career as their unwavering enthusiasm is infectious.”