CELEBRATIONS Inspector retires after 30 years

A SOUTH Wales Police officer, who followed the cortege at Princess Diana’s funeral, is celebrating his retirement almost 30 years to the day since he began his career.

Inspector Paul Crowley started his career in the Metropolitan Police on September 28, 1987.

The 51-year-old, who was based in Cardiff during the final years of his career, said: “At the age of 21 I decided to go and see the bright lights of the city and it changed me from a boy into a man. I grew up very quickly.”

After taking his entrance exams, Paul had his first beat in Fulham before moving on to other London boroughs.

“I hadn’t seen much of life before I joined,” he said.

“London is one of those places where you either immerse yourself in it or it breaks you.”

While working in the English capital, Paul was involved in policing major events that made headlines around the world including the poll tax riots, Notting Hill Carnival and Princess Diana’s funeral.

He said: “Being involved in Princess Diana’s funeral is probably the most memorable thing I have done in the police force.

“I was following the cortege to where she was buried and it has always stayed in my mind.”

Paul transferred to South Wales Police in 2003 and settled in South Wales with his wife and two daughters.

Within a few months, he had been promoted to sergeant before finally becoming an inspector in 2007.

In recent years, Paul has been heavily involved with organising charity fundraising events for South Wales Police.

In one charity rugby match at the Principality Stadium, the force raised £3,500 for Wales Air Ambulance and Maggie’s Swansea.

Paul says he plans to use his retirement initially to take his family on holiday to America, but would eventually like to go back to work helping children.

“I promised my girls when they were younger that I would take them to Disneyland,” he said.

“But they are still big kids and I am as well so we will probably go to Disney.”

Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies said: “Paul Crowley is an absolute legend here in Eastern Basic Command Unit.

“He has achieved so much in his career which began in the Met before and, luckily for us, he came back home to Wales.

“Paul is respected and liked not just here in Cardiff but right across the force for his professionalism, positive attitude and experience in policing.”