Volunteers helping Suffolk police force have been celebrated for their hardworking commitment in a special celebration.

The event, held this week, honoured almost 400 volunteers who have offered up their time and energy to support Suffolk Constabulary and the people it serves.

These tireless volunteers, made up of specials, police staff volunteers and police cadets, were acknowledged for the countless hours they contributed to the force, totalling over 34,000 hours in 2023 alone, and so far into 2024, a further 9,000 hours.

Chief constable Rachel Kearton and PCC Tim Passmore officiated the ceremony, showing their gratitude for the volunteers' invaluable work within the community.

East Anglian Daily Times: Celebratory lunch honours volunteers' thousands of hours to Suffolk Constabulary Celebratory lunch honours volunteers' thousands of hours to Suffolk Constabulary (Image: Submitted)

The newly appointed specials chief officer Ayman Al-Aride also attended the event.

Mr Al-Aride said: “Throughout my tenure with Suffolk police, I have worked in various departments, from front-line duties to the Major Investigation Team (MIT).

"My goal is to empower them to continue making a positive difference in our community.”

Special acknowledgement was made to the police support volunteers, who had clocked up to 11,000 volunteer hours in the prior year and have so far completed over 4,000 hours in 2024.

Manager of Citizens in Policing, Karen Harris, said: “The volunteers really do represent the best of Suffolk with their time, enthusiasm, energy and life experience and wisdom they bring to their individual roles."

East Anglian Daily Times: Chief Officer for the Special Constabulary Ayman Al-Aride Chief Officer for the Special Constabulary Ayman Al-Aride (Image: Submitted)

Assistant chief constable Eamonn Bridger said: "I send my congratulations to Ayman on his appointment as Chief Officer - he was a strong candidate amongst tough competition and I know he will bring energy and passion for public service to the role."

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, Tim Passmore said: "The contribution made by volunteers to policing in Suffolk is absolutely remarkable.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who generously gives their time to help make Suffolk a safer place, we are very grateful."