TWO of Barnard Castle’s most experienced police officers are stepping down. Neighbourhood inspector Ed Turner and PC Harry Marsh have racked up more than 60 years’ experience between them.
Insp Turner will hand over to his successor Insp Mike Sammut on Friday, while PC Marsh will work his last shift in early May.
Both will head into retirement by journeying to Europe this summer – but for very different reasons.
Insp Turner, 55, plans to cycle the length of the Rhine – all 947 miles – while PC Marsh will embrace his passion for history – particularly that of the Second World War – by visiting a number of significant sites.
After growing up in the South Lakes, Insp Turner joined Durham Police in 1994 after attending the North East Training Centre.
His first posting was as a community beat officer in Bishop Auckland, which he said taught him the importance of neighbourhood policing.
Spending all his career with the Durham force, he was promoted to sergeant and moved first to Newton Aycliffe and then for his first stint at Barnard Castle before spending nine years as an inspector in the roads policing unit.
He returned to Barnard Castle as the dale’s neighbourhood inspector six years ago.
“I will miss policing. I don’t think after 30 years you can just flick a switch and turn it off.
“It’s been my family and it’s provided me with a lovely stable life and rewards.”
He added: “I will miss the people and the community.”
Insp Turner said he leaves the force at a time when police have never been under as much scrutiny but also with officers “doing our bit” to help people and the best job they can with the resources available.
In addition to his cycling adventure, he plans a visit to his daughter in Spain and has tickets to attend the Olympics in Paris.
PC Marsh, 58, is a familiar figure around the dale, having been part of the local police team for 20 years.
He began his career with the British Transport Police, in Darlington, in 1990, where he was selected for detective training and became a full detective based in Middlesbrough.
He then joined Durham Police, working in Newton Aycliffe, Shildon and Sedgefield before being told of an opportunity in Barnard Castle.
“I needed a change and came to Barnard Castle. It’s been a real privilege and I never wanted to leave.”
He said becoming such a familiar face had meant that on many occasions, people had been willing to assist him when necessary.
Of his impending retirement, he added: “I know it’s happening, but it hasn’t sunk in yet.
“But there will be another Harry Marsh along and they will embed themselves in the community and they will have the exact same level of service.”
He plans to immerse himself in his passion for history and as well as touring some of the historic WW2 sites, he plans to stay at Colditz Castle next year to coincide with the 80th anniversary of its liberation.
Chief Constable Rachel Bacon paid tribute to the two officers’ efforts.
“They are as passionate on the day they leave as the day they joined. It’s quite humbling. It’s one of the good parts of my job to hear how they have worked. It is genuinely quite moving.”
