Police officer reunited with new recruit he unknowingly inspired 16 years ago
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He never knew that one conversation 16 years ago would change someone’s life.
For PC Ross Brewster, it was just another day at work. For Elle McKinnell, it was a moment she never forgot…
While completing her initial PCSO training at Meadowfield Training Centre, Elle spoke with police trainer PC Armstrong about her aspirations for the future. She explained that she wanted to become a police officer and shared that her ambition had been shaped by a positive interaction she had with a police officer 16 years earlier.
That officer was Ross.
By complete coincidence, Ross was also at Meadowfield that day for unrelated work. Recognising the connection, PC Armstrong brought the two together giving Elle the opportunity to meet the person who had unknowingly inspired her career – a reunion neither expected.
Elle told Ross that the kindness he had shown her all those years ago had left a lasting impression.
She said: "What probably felt like just another day at work for you made a lasting difference to me.
"In many ways, you inspired me to join the police myself. Seeing the difference one officer could make to someone’s life showed me the kind of person and officer I wanted to be. Thank you."
For Ross, who is approaching retirement, the reunion was a reminder that the impact of policing is not always seen.
He said: "You never know the impact you can have in your day-to-day work as it often goes unanswered. Elle is living proof that you can make a difference."
Behind every uniform is a person. Someone who can positively change the course of another person’s life through one interaction.
Could you be the next person to make a difference?
Police recruitment is open until Friday, July 31.