Polegate volunteer made a Member of the British Empire
A HARD WORKING volunteer has been praised by a top police chief after he was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.
George Gibbs, of Fairoaks in Polegate, was in the Metropolitan Police for 35 years and finished his career there as a Chief Superintendent.
Some older folk would try to take life a bit easier at the age of 84. But not Mr Gibbs. He has carried on serving the community in different voluntary roles throughout his retirement - working with Age Concern and later he helped victims of crime for Victim Support, until he was forced to leave the role as he was more than 75-years-old.
For the past 10 years he has worked for Police Support Volunteers based in Eastbourne and he co-ordinates the 60-strong team. The work done by the team varies from tidying up crime scenes to making cups of tea.
Mr Gibbs said volunteering kept him active. He has been married to his wife Eleanor for 63 years, is also a Polegate town councillor, and he works for Citizens Advice in Hailsham and Neighbourhood Watch.
He was a sergeant in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War before his illustrious police career and used to ‘hop over to France’ whilst the conflict raged.
The MBE is not the first accolodade given to busy Mr Gibbs. He was given commendations when working for the police force and in 2008 attended a Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace for his hard work serving the community.
Chief Constable Martin Richards said: “I am absolutely delighted that George has received this award.
“He has given a lifetime of public service and continues to work tirelessly in support of the fantastic volunteers who are such an important part of our team.”
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Weather for Lewes
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
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