Father-of-two from Halesowen fighting Covid-19 on NHS frontline and keeping streets safe in police role
“The health service and police are always there for people in their ultimate time of need and it’s a privilege to do both roles.”
Those are the words of a nurse from the Black Country who is fighting Covid-19 – and is also keeping streets safe in his role as a volunteer police officer.
Iain Hulbert, an inspector for Dudley, has split his time between fighting the pandemic and tackling crime in the area.
He is a nurse at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and has been based on a Covid ward – helping people recover from the virus.
And the father-of-two, from Halesowen, has also racked up an average of 60 hours each month towards policing amid the pandemic.
Iain, who has been a Special for more than 16 years, said: “It has been a whirlwind 12 months with the Covid pandemic.
“It’s been difficult at times, but as a nursing team we’ve done all we can to help patients and you feel a sense of pride when they have overcome the virus and recovered.
“Helping people is a big passion for me which is why being a nurse and a Special is an important part of my life. The health service and police are always there for people in their ultimate time of need and it’s a privilege to do both roles.
“Although it wouldn’t be possible without the support and understanding of my family, along with amazing colleagues in both the force and at the hospital.”
Iain, who has been a nurse for just over two years, is based on a renal ward at the Birmingham hospital and has been involved in treating Covid-19 patients. He is regularly virus tested to ensure he can safely fulfil both roles.
He added: “There are skills from being a nurse which help being a Special and vice versa. I’m a much better communicator due to being in the police and my medical skills assist when going to assaults or road collisions while on duty as a Special.
“Even given how busy the last year has been I’ve never wanted to, or even considered, not being a Special. I’m from Halesowen and it means a lot to be able to patrol my area, keep the community safe and catch criminals. You can always find time for the things which are important to you.”
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added: “Iain is a previous winner of our Special of the Year award. He’s one of a range of people – from university lecturers , doctors, to pilots – who we’re extremely grateful to for donating their time to be volunteer officers. Specials have the same powers as regular officers and also wear the same uniform.
“They volunteer at least 16 hours a month but times are flexible and play a crucial role alongside our officers and staff.”
Anyone interested in taking up a role with the force can visit jobs.west-midlands.police.uk.
