Officer Jackie's patrol farewell
A well-known face on the streets of a South Staffordshire village is waving goodbye to embark on a new career. A well-known face on the streets of a South Staffordshire village is waving goodbye to embark on a new career. Residents have come to know Police Community Support Officer Jackie Podmore well over the past two years. As the Cheslyn Hay's first PCSO, she quickly became an established part of community life, and praise has been heaped on her work by colleagues and the parish council. Mrs Podmore, aged 50, is joining security firm The Corps of Commissionaires of Birmingham and will work in Walsall College. She felt it offered her more varied career prospects given her age but admitted she was sad to be leaving the village. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Residents have come to know Police Community Support Officer Jackie Podmore well over the past two years.
As the Cheslyn Hay's first PCSO, she quickly became an established part of community life, and praise has been heaped on her work by colleagues and the parish council. Mrs Podmore, aged 50, is joining security firm The Corps of Commissionaires of Birmingham and will work in Walsall College.
She felt it offered her more varied career prospects given her age but admitted she was sad to be leaving the village.
Mrs Podmore said: "It was a hard decision but I'm looking forward to the challenges of my new job.
"Leaving Cheslyn Hay is absolutely nothing against the people. I'd like to thank them all because the people of Cheslyn Hay have welcomed me with open arms and I can't think of a better place to work."
Mrs Podmore, whose background is in running pubs, said she was first attracted to the role of PCSO as she loved working with the public and said she had no regrets.
She added: "I've made some wonderful acquaintances in my time working in Cheslyn Hay and I'm going to really, really miss it.
"I've had the time of my life doing this job and I've loved doing it.
"I will miss Cheslyn Hay and I will miss the people with a passion."
She officially leaves the role on Friday but is on rest days after today.
PCSO Karen Terry, who has already been splitting her time between Cheslyn Hay and Great Wyrley, will now be based in the village and has spent time working alongside Mrs Podmore over recent weeks.
