Tears shed at Police HQ ahead of Chief Constable Colin Port's departure
COLIN Port made an emotional departure from Avon and Somerset Police Headquarters today on his penultimate day as Chief Constable of the force, before retiring from policing after 38 years.
Tears were shed by police staff and officers as he ended his eight year leadership of the force.
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Departing Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Colin Port leaves the building
The Chief Constable, preceded by the force's ceremonial mace team, was escorted by two police motorcycle outriders and officers from the force's mounted section in ceremonial uniform.
Police officers and staff of all ranks accompanied him and lined the route to wish him on his way.
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The spontaneous applause and tears from officers and staff touched the outgoing chief.
"I was very moved by the kindness shown by my colleagues who said goodbye to me today," he said. "I am enormously grateful to those officers and staff from Avon and Somerset Police for the fantastic support shown to me, and for the great job everyone is doing to keep the people of Avon and Somerset safe."
Mr Port previously told The Post he had decided to stand down when his one-year rolling contract expires on January 26.
He said he had made the decision reluctantly after a meeting with Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens shortly after her election in November, when she told him he would have to reapply for his job if he wanted to extend his tenure.
Earlier this month he announced he was taking the new Police and Crime Commissioner to court. In an unprecedented move, the outgoing head of Avon and Somerset constabulary applied to the High Court for an injunction to prevent his successor being appointed.
4 Comments
by Stagnate
Saturday, January 26 2013, 10:56AM
“'Police officers and staff of all ranks accompanied him and lined the route to wish him on his way.'
Out of respect for him or just to make sure he went!”
by BristolMark2
Friday, January 25 2013, 8:15PM
“Wow. The Bristol Post really is shameless, isn't it. Not even an attempt to put across the other side of this story. They'll be clamouring for him to be given a knighthood next.”
by petebartlett
Friday, January 25 2013, 7:19PM
“Was Sue Mountstevens one of those shedding a tear? ;-)”
by Charlespk
Friday, January 25 2013, 6:01PM
“Well he certainly didn't go quietly, to coin a phrase. :))”