Staffordshire Police celebrate busy year of activity by Cadets

Staffordshire Police has acknowledged the work of its 172 cadets, who are based across the force and are aged between 13 and 17-years-old and carried out a total of 6,419 duties, spending more than 19,000 hours involved in activities in the county. 

Among the events attended by the cadets in 2024 included a Royal visit in March where the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh met cadets at force headquarters, while cadets were also seen at the Staffordshire County show in June.

Other events included the force open day in September, force awards in November and a variety of Remembrance parades, Bonfire night and Christmas light events, as well as the emergency services carol service in December.

A cadet leader was also recognised as Volunteer of the Year for his contribution to the programme at the force awards in November, while Sergeant Ade Bolas saw his work in leading the Cannock unit recognised by HM The King and was invited to a Royal Garden Party in May. 

Staffordshire Police also confirmed that nine cadet leaders are also due to receive awards recognising their three years of service, with two leaders to be recognised for six years’ service and one for a total of nine years’ service. 

Cadet Volunteer Coordinator, Helen Neeson, said: "The cadets have shown real commitment and dedication to all their activities. 

"They have worked hard as part of a team to achieve some really positive engagement in the community and I'm really proud of their initiative and hard work.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what they can achieve this year and how we can support them to be the best they can be.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams, said: “The cadet scheme has been championed by my office since its creation over a decade ago and it has continued to go from strength to strength ever since. 

“It has helped thousands of young people to make a difference in their communities while at the same time developing their own skills and confidence.

“I was proud to witness some of the hard work of the cadets and the cadet leaders throughout 2024, and look forward to seeing what’s in store for them and the scheme this year.”

To find out more about the cadet scheme, go to careers.staffordshire.police.uk/cadets/