Long-serving PCSO recognised in King's Birthday Honours

One of Durham Constabulary’s first ever Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to the community of Chester-le-Street.

PCSO Adrian Richards has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) after dedicating more than 23 years to tackling anti-social behaviour, problem-solving issues like shoplifting and dog fouling and providing summer activities for thousands of children.

He is familiar face to many in Chester-le-Street, particularly the town centre, where he has spent much of his time supporting businesses.

However, he is possibly best known for organising and hosting the town’s annual Activity Week which provides around 25,000 children access to free activities in the summer.

Through much hard work, determination, and a lot of fundraising from Adrian, the event will celebrate its 19th year in the summer.
“When I came up with the idea it cost £350 for the first one,” he said. “Now it is about £35,000 and all of that is provided by donations and grants. It is months of work, but it is always completely worth it.”

This isn’t all, Adrian is always on hand to react to any situation. He once performed CPR on a man who had collapsed while he was out and about on foot patrol. His swift actions meant he was still alive on reaching hospital.

And for each of the last ten years, he has organised a collection of around 100 donated gifts for him and the Chester-le-Street Neighbourhood Team to hand out to residents of several local care homes who don’t have family visiting for Christmas.

Prior to joining Durham Constabulary as a PCSO in 2004, Adrian served in the RAF for 22 years having joined two weeks after leaving school at 16.

He has also spent time working in pub and hotel management, as a driving instructor and a store detective.

Outside of work, Adrian has a keen interest in budgies, judging competitions across the world and keeping more than 100 of them in his own aviary. He has been on the National Budgerigar Society committee for several years and was recently awarded its prestigious Silverbird Award to recognise his meritorious service.

“You only get one life; you must do your best with it,” he said. “I love what I do, and I am proud to be recognised with the British Empire Medal.”

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon, of Durham Constabulary said: “This is a thoroughly deserved honour – Adrian is dedicated to the community of Chester-le-Street and is excellent at what he does.

“I am delighted that Adrian’s service has been recognised in this way, and we are all very proud of him.

“Our PCSOs do outstanding work every day and make a real difference to our communities, working hard to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Adrian will be presented with his medal by County Durham’s Lord Lieutenant and invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace this summer.