November 17, 2009
New Flitwick Officer John Has ‘World’ Of Experience
A MAN who travelled the world with the Army before clocking up 14 years experience with Bedfordshire Police has become a new Neighbourhood Police Officer for Flitwick.
PC John Toombs has moved from Luton to join PC Kevyn Thornley who will eventually depart to help strengthen the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Cranfield.
PC Toombs, who is originally from Islington, began his career in uniform as a boy soldier and served with the Army in more than 32 countries over 24 years, ranging from New Zealand and Australia to Belize in Central America.
He also served as a paratrooper in Northern Ireland and Belfast in the 1970s, trained many other young soldiers during his career and finished his service holding the demanding role of Quartermaster Staff Sergeant.
The 54-year-old joined Bedfordshire Police in 1995 in Dunstable and took a two year career break to design and build his own home in Ireland before returning to the force in 2003.
Over the last six years he has was Neighbourhood Police Officer in the challenging ward of High Town, Luton, where he was noted for his firm but fair policing approach - a style he intends to continue in Flitwick.
The father of two and grandfather of five, who enjoys sports ranging from micro lighting and diving to motorcycling and photography, will pay particular attention to Flitwick’s policing priorities, such as anti-social behaviour and speeding.
PC Toombs, who lives south of Bedford, said: “I thoroughly enjoy my job as a police officer and I am looking forward to working with the residents of Flitwick to help solve issues and make the town an even better place to live and work.”
Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant, Lisa Johnson, added: “A great deal of excellent policing work is going on in Central Bedfordshire and we are delighted to have someone as experienced and dedicated as John on our team.”
Anyone who wants more details about their Safer Neighbourhood Teams can find them at www.bedfordshire.police.uk
