New police cadets were sworn-in during a graduation ceremony in the presence of the Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner and senior Staffordshire Police dignitaries.
Matthew Ellis and his deputy Sue Arnold, along with Assistant Chief Constable Emma Barnett and Chief Superintendent Elliott Sharrard-Williams, watched 24 cadets and 5 leaders take the oath at The Pirelli Stadium in Burton on Trent.
It takes the county-wide total of cadets to 287.
Mr Ellis said: ‘I first explored the idea for Staffordshire Police Cadets five years ago and since then it’s been great to see them grow and grow.
‘Helping to develop great citizens for Staffordshire in the future is at its very heart.
‘It’s not about encouraging them to become police officers but seeing them grow in confidence with a strong sense of community spirit and real determination to make a difference.
‘That’s what I hoped for back in 2013 and that has now become a reality thanks to the dedication of a growing group of volunteers along with my deputy Sue Arnold.’
The event was hosted by Staffordshire cadet ambassadors Ben Robinson, Chairman of Burton Albion FC and Matt Hancock, Head of Burton Albion Community Trust. The strategic partnership with Burton Albion brings sponsorship benefits to the East Staffordshire unit, who in turn support Burton Albion events.
Also in attendance was HM Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mrs Pippa Gee, who welcomed Katie Williams to the position of Police Cadet for the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire for the coming year.
Sue Arnold added: ‘We are very proud to have one of the most vibrant cadet services in the country and delighted that many other PCC’s followed suit.
‘It was wonderful to see so many proud families and happy youngsters at Burton Albion Football Club’.
Assistant Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, Emma Barnett said: ‘I was proud to be there and to welcome these young people into the policing family.
‘It’s encouraging to see so many – they’re all here because they want to make a difference.
‘What they learn will make them better citizens and a credit to their families and to society.
‘They have a long journey ahead of them and I wish them all the very best of luck.’
The Staffordshire Police Cadets, established by the PCC Matthew Ellis in 2013 and delivered by Staffordshire Police, regularly take part in lots of different activities in the community.
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