Former cadet leader 'gobsmacked' by Queen's Police Medal
Neill said he was 'blown away' by the newsA former PC who dedicated his career to youth engagement has said he was “absolutely astounded” to learn he had earned the honour of a Queens Police Medal.
Bromley-based officer Neill Tully, who retired this summer after 29 years of service, said: “I was completely blown away- it came as a complete surprise. It’s the absolute crowning glory of my career.
"I receive it in the knowledge that it was only possible through the support of my family, friends, colleagues, the volunteer staff and the cadets themselves.”
The 55-year-old said his career was “pretty standard” for about half of his service until he became a schools officer and was asked to help his sergeant set up a cadet unit.
In November 2001 Neil started out with 14 cadets, growing to 150 cadets under his leadership after his sergeant retired, recruiting vulnerable and troubled children.
“Youngsters are the future and if we don’t look after the future, we’re doomed.
“There’s an awful lot of bad press about a very small minority of young people but the normal majority don’t seem to get a look in.”
He admitted working with young people can be “very stressful” but said the experience is rewarding and “very fruitful.”
“We’ve had a lot of special needs and disabled children come through cadets and although they may not have been able to be placed as officers they have roles as police staff.
“We had some spectacular camps- we went to Germany, Gibraltor, Poland, Los Angeles. We were certainly very adventurous with the annual camps.”
He said he’s “enjoying every moment” of his new job as mayoral attendant for Bromley, which features a lot of the ceremonial work he loved as a cadet leader.
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