Neighbourhood sergeant hangs up cuffs after 30 years’ service

It’s with a heavy heart that we announce Sergeant Andy Boyd is officially hanging up his cuffs for his well-earned retirement after 30 years’ service.

Sgt Boyd joined the force as a fresh-faced 22-year-old in 1995 after being inspired by officers who attended his school when he was just ten.

He started his career in Bishop Auckland before moving to Crook where he served for 15 years on Response, a role he says he loved.

Sgt Boyd also had stints in Offender Management and the Volume Crime Team before he found his ‘home’ in Neighbourhoods.

He said: “My favourite periods in my career have been as a response cop at Willington and a Neighbourhood Sergeant at Newton Aycliffe.

“I've been in my element when having a direct impact in community, working with some amazing partners in business, charities, schools and community groups to try and make people’s lives a little better.

“When it comes to my favourite memories it purely comes down to the positive impact I've had on some of my communities’ lives.”

Sgt Boyd has overseen several problem-solving projects over his time, but said he was particularly proud of his work on Ahead of the Arrest, Newton Aycliffe Community Hub and Knife Angel, the last of which he has worked hard on for the last year to bring it to County Durham for the first time.

Fittingly, Sgt Boyd’s last day on the beat was at the Knife Angel’s closing ceremony on Saturday (June 28) before he officially retires on July 9.

“I'll miss the partners I have worked with over the years, some really committed and inspirational people, I'll miss the teams I’ve had the pleasure to work on and lead,” he said.

But it won’t be the last you see of this familiar face as Sgt Boyd will be starting a new role as Community Safety and Development Coordinator with Life Community Action in September after a well-deserved break this summer.

Thank you for your service 1430 – over and out.