Alan leaves the force... but he’ll never forget airport terror attack
Sergeant recalls highs and lows of 30 years service
A Renfrewshire cop who was one of the first officers on the scene at the 2007 Glasgow Airport terror attack is hanging up his badge after 30 years on the force.
Sergeant Alan Mack, 59, raced to the terminal minutes after terrorists drove a Jeep filled with petrol and gas at the building.
During his three decades of service the shocking incident is one that will always stay with him.
“I was on duty that day and close by. Myself and an inspector rushed straight there. We were some of the first officers to arrive.
“The car was still on fire and they were still wrestling with the guys,” he said.
“We were keeping people back because there were fears over secondary explosions at that time. “It was very traumatic. “I worked a 22 hour day that day, but it felt like it went quicker than a normal shift.”
The dad-of one, who grew up in Paisley, and spent the last 12 years working in Renfrewshire, latterly in Johnstone following time in North Ayrshire, has fond memories of his time with the boys in blue.
He said: “I will miss the camaraderie. It’s not really a job, it’s vocation. There is nothing else like it in the world. Of course, there were some hard times but I really enjoyed my time.
“Policing has changed hugely in the time.
“From the equipment we carry, through to the way we deal with domestic abuse and other crimes.
“Cyber crime was not a thing when I joined.
“Guys from back when I signed up would not recognise the job now.”
After leaving Paisley Grammar School, Alan went on to work as an industrial photographer before joining Strathclyde Police, as it was then, aged 28.
He worked his way up to sergeant, and has witnessed many changes to policing over the years.
He said: “One of the highlights of my time has been a return to the old community policing model in recent years.
“I have been a community officer based in Johnstone for the last four years and seeing how community policing can impact on communities has been great.
“Getting involved with things like warning people about the iTunes voucher scam earlier this year, where vulnerable people were being ripped off, showed the impact local policing can have.”
The St Mirren fan now plans to spend more time on his boat on Loch Fyne, where his parents still live and getting out on the golf course.
“I have had a great time, I really have. I would like to thank all my colleagues inlcuding Inspector Cassie Glass, Chief Inspector Hazel Scott, Superintendent Simon Wright and everyone I have worked with along the way.”
Inspector Cassie Glass paid tribute to the Alan as he gets set to sail off on the next phase of his life.
She said: “I have worked with Alan for the last four years here in Johnstone.
“Alan was an excellent community policing sergeant with a wicked sense of humour and will be sadly missed by myself, all his colleagues and the community as a whole.
“We would like to wish him a very long and happy retirement.”