Jerry hangs up his handcuffs after 41 years patrolling North Yorkshire

Special Constabulary Chief Officer, Jerry Holland, has hung up his handcuffs one last time and left voluntary policing after a career spanning 41 years across three police forces.

Jerry was driven to become a volunteer police officer during the IRA’s mainland bombing campaign as he wanted to do something practical to help the police.

He joined Sussex Police in 1974 and following a short spell with West Mercia Police, joined North Yorkshire Police in 1981 when his job as a sales and marketing director brought him to York.

Throughout his career he has helped to police numerous high-profile events and policing operations from the London to Brighton vintage car rally to murders, football violence and royal visits.

Chief Constable Dave Jones paid tribute to Jerry’s long service and dedication to policing in North Yorkshire. He said: “We are very sad to see Jerry leave. He is an inspirational leader and mentor and will leave behind a great legacy. I would like to personally thank him for his selfless dedication to policing and for the thousands of hours of his free time he has given up to helping keep the communities of North Yorkshire safe. I wish him a very well-deserved, happy, enjoyable and relaxing retirement.”

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, added: “Jerry will be sorely missed by everyone he works with. Not only as an excellent Special Constable, but also as a valued colleague and friend. The dedication he has shown to his voluntary work as a Special Constable is scarcely believable, but he can retire safely in the knowledge he has made a tangible difference both to North Yorkshire Police and the communities he has served.”

Jerry said: “The thing that I shall miss most is working with my team of enthusiastic volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, committed to helping their communities. I would encourage anyone looking for excitement and wanting to serve their community, to consider joining the specials.”

His voluntary policing career was primarily based in York before he became North Yorkshire Police’s Special Constabulary’s most senior officer.