OKEHAMPTON?S community constable has been honoured for 22 years service with the force.
PC Dave Woodland was praised for his hard work and commitment after receiving his long service medal at Police Headquarters in Exeter last Wednesday.
The officer completed his probation at Devonport and was stationed at Charles Cross in 1983, before serving at Barnstaple and Bideford.
In 1988 he moved to Okehampton on patrol and later became a community constable, a position he has retained for the last eight years.
Constable Woodland?s career highlights include an arrest for armed robbery whilst he was a probationer, meeting his wife Carolyne whilst on duty in Bideford and becoming the community officer for Okehampton.
His interest in youth issues developed from a meeting with a town youth worker who took PC Woodland under her wing and later encouraged him to complete a youth affairs course.
This has led to his appointment as Youth Intervention Officer (formally schools? liaison officer) which he starts in September.
PC Woodland, whose wife and two children were at the presentation ceremony, said the time had flown since he joined the force. He is looking forward to his new role where he will be liaising with primary and secondary schools in West Devon.
Chief inspector for West Devon and South Hams Tony Steer said: ?PC Woodland is a hard working, committed officer who is so well known in Okehampton as he works very closely with the community.?