POLICE and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia Bill Longmore has praised the force’s Chief Constable David Shaw’s ‘exceptional leadership’ following his announcement he will retire later this year.
Mr Shaw, who has led the force since August 2011, joined West Mercia as Deputy Chief Constable in 2008 following many years’ service with the West Midlands force.
Mr Shaw, who is retiring on July 31, said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to have been part of two teams looking after the communities of West Midlands and West Mercia policing areas.
“Even after 36 years as a police officer, it is impossible to describe the sense of pride and admiration for what officers and staff achieve every single day. Their courage, humanity and desire to do the right thing remain inspiring.
“The eight years I have had with West Mercia have been amongst the toughest but also happiest of my service.
“The successes we have delivered together have only been possible with the outstanding support of colleagues of every role and rank, the energy, skill and tenacity of the Chief Officer Team, my colleagues in Warwickshire Police and of course Bill Longmore, the Police and Crime Commissioner.
“I will be leaving with a feeling of genuine affection for this force, the people I work with and the area I serve.
Mr Longmore said Chief Constable Shaw ranked as one of the best officers he has worked with and wished him well for the future.
