PC proves to be a real good neighbour
A POLICE officer has been praised by her bosses after she went the extra mile to help a vulnerable elderly woman in Rochdale.
Michelle Farmer, a neighbourhood PC in Castleton, met the woman, who is in her 90s, earlier this year.
She and her family were going through a “desperately difficult time” and she had no food in the house Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
She also “lacked support” and was having trouble keeping her home clean and tidy due to her age.
However as well referring her to the appropriate agencies, Good Samaritan PC Farmer decided to step in herself and do something for her straight away.
On some of her days off she went to the supermarket and bought shopping for them using her own money which she then delivered.
She also baked scones for them, cleaned their kitchen, did their washing and made their beds as well as cooking them a meal among other household tasks.
Neighbourhood police Inspector for the Rochdale East division Rob Macgregor revealed the incredible gesture on Twitter and Facebook saying PC Farmer had initially not mentioned having done this to anyone and that he only heard about it “at random.”
He said: “She is the best neighbourhood officer I have ever worked with, and much better than I was as one. More importantly, she is a wonderful person”
It happened in February and before the current lockdown period. However it is not the first time she had gone “above and beyond” bosses say.
She has now been presented with a Territorial Commendation from her Chief Superintendent who says is “an incredibly caring person with a strong sense of community spirit.”
Ch Spt Chris Allsop told the Observer: “Michelle knows the family and understood that they had hit a desperately difficult point.
“Sparing her own money, time and resources, she tended to them making them scones and doing some shopping for them.
“In addition to contacting partner agencies and undertaking necessary referrals, Michelle went way beyond this and undertook a number of essential jobs for them such as changing their beds, doing their washing and cleaning the kitchen, before making them a meal.
“It isn’t the first time Michelle has done this for them.
“Michelle was quite humble about receiving the award.
“She is an incredibly caring person with a strong sense of community spirit - and for me epitomises the very spirit of our purpose; to protect society and help keep people safe.”