AN award-winning Police Community Support Officer is retiring after 17 years with Devon and Cornwall Police.

Dave Chapple joined the force back in 2001 as a traffic warden for Tavistock and Dartmoor. At that time traffic wardens were employed by the police.

When the role of traffic wardens were taken over by local councils, staff had the choice to stay with the police or move over to the council.

‘I had the choice of whether to go and work with the council or stay with the police and I chose to stay and become a PCSO in 2006 — a role I have thoroughly enjoyed and one that has kept me very busy,’ said Dave.

Dave’s role as a PCSO covered the ‘Rural West’ patch which includes Mary Tavy, Lydford and Chillaton. He provided a visible presence and tackled anti-social behaviour, as well as interacting with the public and offering assistance to police officers at crime scenes and major events.

During his time, not only has Dave been nominated for the Premier South West Champion for outstanding achievements in the field of heroism, but he has received a commander’s commendation and two commander’s certificates for his team work and courage.

When he was a traffic warden in 2002, Dave was able to defuse a situation that saw a man threatening to harm himself with a knife. A few days later, Dave again assisted police officers with the arrest of a violent drunk driver. For his assistance in both the situations, Dave was awarded the Devon and Cornwall Commander’s Commendation for good work and keen attention to duty.

In 2013, Dave demonstrated physical courage and professionalism in order to keep a vulnerable young man safe in Tavistock. The young man had wrapped a length of chain around his neck and ran up a metal stairwell, wrapped the chain around the top rail and prepared to throw himself onto spiked iron railings below.

Along with two women, Dave reached the young man before he could jump and pulled him to the floor. For his courage Dave was awarded the commander’s certificate.

The following year, Dave and nine other members of staff received a further commander’s certificate for their involvement in a tragic death of a female in Tavistock who had fallen approximately 150ft from the viaduct bridge.

All officers were commended for their prompt and effective team work and professionalism.

‘I am incredibly proud of my awards but it is my job to be there for the community and to protect them to the best of my ability,’ said Dave.

Over the years, Dave has helped plan many events for the West Devon area, including the information day with a lot of help from Claire Wager from West Devon Borough Council and former Tavistock Area Support Services (TASS) manager Andy Lyle, with up to 30 agencies on Bedford Square in Tavistock, offering free advice, and the Safety on Dartmoor Dartmoor held in Lydford.

‘I want to thank all my colleagues past and present who have made this job what it is — I have loved every minute and I can’t thank you all enough.

‘To all the members of the community from the areas that has been my patch for 12 years, I hope I have been able to help and I will miss you all.

‘During my retirement I plan to undertake some volunteer work for the force, plus possibly volunteer for TASS.’

West Devon Inspector Mark Sloman said that Dave was a ‘loyal’ and well respected officer and would be greatly missed by all his colleagues.

‘Dave has made a huge difference to his community and has made a difference to people’s lives.

‘He has always gone above and beyond the role as a PCSO and goes the extra mile at all times when supporting his police officer colleagues or the public.

‘For the last few years he has been a regular sight around the villages of West Devon and in particular, Lifton, Brentor and Milton Abbot where he had become part of the community.

‘Dave, we wish you all the best — enjoy your retirement.’

• Dave’s last day was Wednesday, February 28.