TAVISTOCK police have said their fond farewells to a dedicated police constable.

Dave Pickles retired earlier this month after 28 years as a police officer — and West Devon inspector Mark Sloman said he would be missed by his colleagues and by the local community.

Dave started his career as a special constable in 1988 and joined as a regular officer in 1990, at the age of 27 in Essex.

He transferred to Tavistock six years later — a town he had admired since he was 15. He did a spell in Plymouth during his career but when a vacancy arose in Princetown as a neighbourhood beat manager he quickly applied — and it was this role that earned him respect with the community far and wide.

‘I was in this role for seven years and I was joined by PCSOs Rob Walsh and Mark Canvin — my time in this role were some of the best years in my career. We were known by all sections of the community and we always got involved in community events — one of the best things was that we reached all ages of the community.

‘One highlight was when we did the Moorland Challenge over two years — we worked with Horrabridge and Princetown youth clubs and we raised money for both groups by trekking from one club to another.’

After being a NBM in Princetown, Dave worked as a NBM in Okehampton for two years, before he returned to Tavistock as PC.

‘I have mixed emotions about retiring — it is tinged with sadness about leaving behind my colleagues and the public but I have no regrets — I have enjoyed my career.

‘It has been a huge privilege to have had Dartmoor and West Devon as a place to live and work.’

Insp Sloman added: ‘Dave was committed to policing the community in which he lived. His traditional views of what a community police officer should be was really appreciated and accepted by members of the public that he came into contact with. He always took time to listen to people and try and understand their issues, always seeing the best in people.

‘He will be missed by his policing colleagues in West Devon but more so by the local community. However, I believe Dave will continue to be living in the area during his retirement, so when he’s not visiting diverse countries around the world you can guarantee he will be out walking on Dartmoor enjoying all it has to offer and taking time to speak to local people he has come into contact with throughout his policing time in West Devon.

‘All the best Dave, have a happy retirement.’

Dave said his plans during retirement included cycling, sailing and travelling the world — plus, by the time the Times goes to press, he should have completed Scotland’s The Great Outdoor Challenge.

• The pictures pictures show PC Dave Pickles before he retired and, below, in his passing out parade in 1990.