Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, was honoured to host a heartfelt celebration of courage, commitment, and community spirit at the annual Specials Constabulary Awards Ceremony. This special evening recognised the extraordinary contributions of those who volunteer their time, energy, and dedication to serve and protect the people of Essex.

The event at Essex Police Headquarters on Thursday 5th June, brought together Special Constables, their families, and colleagues to celebrate the vital role these volunteers play in frontline policing. Special Constables are fully warranted officers who hold the same powers as regular police officers. What sets them apart is their ability to balance demanding day jobs, family responsibilities, and personal commitments—all while giving up evenings, weekends, and holidays to help keep our communities safe.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst said: “It was a true honour to attend the Essex Police Special Constabulary Awards. I extend my heartfelt thanks to every Special Constable for their unwavering dedication and service. They give their time, energy, and expertise not for recognition, but because they care deeply about their communities and want to make a difference.

“Though they serve as volunteers, they are fully warranted officers—standing shoulder to shoulder with their regular colleagues, facing the same challenges and showing the same courage. We honoured those who have gone above and beyond—demonstrating exceptional leadership, outstanding service, and steadfast support for their teams. We have also seen amazing acts carried out by the specials, saving lives and protecting people. Their contributions are truly valued and deeply appreciated.”

In the past six months alone, Essex’s 247 Special Constables have delivered an impressive 39,628 hours of service—28,835 of which were operational. This is equivalent to the working time of nearly 48 full-time officers. On average, each Special Constable contributed 26.7 hours per month—exceeding the expected 16 hours by over 10 hours.

The ceremony served not only as a celebration but also as a powerful reminder of the impact of public service. It was an opportunity to say thank you—not just from the force, but on behalf of every resident whose life has been made safer by these unsung heroes.

To learn more about becoming a Special Constable and making a difference in your community, visit our Special Constabulary page.