More than 200 cadets from across the county marched together in front of proud families and friends to celebrate the end of their term with the Essex Volunteer Police Cadet programme.

The cadets from all eight units in Essex led their second annual parade at Writtle University College, near Chelmsford, and marched alongside their Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders.

The group, aged 13-17-years-old ,were inspected and thanked for their service by Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh and Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex Roger Hirst.

Roger Hirst, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome our second year of Volunteer Police Cadets into the policing family. By enabling young people from all walks of life to take part, the VPC programme has empowered them to become self-confident, dynamic citizens who have shown immense dedication in giving up their time to help their communities. They are a huge credit to both Essex Police and to themselves.

“Thanks to the commitment and time invested by those running the programme, it has proven to be hugely valuable in helping support and develop these young people, as well as giving them the opportunity to experience policing and to ensure community safety initiatives are delivered across the whole of Essex.”

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “I am proud that the VPC programme is making a real difference to the lives and futures of the young people of Essex.

“Our 75 Volunteer Police Cadet Leaders, both officers, members of staff and external volunteers give immeasurable time and commitment week in, week out. The success of the Essex Police VPC programme is without doubt due to their unwavering support and I cannot thank them enough.”

“I would like to congratulate all 200 cadets on their dedication, positive attitudes with which they conduct their VPC duties and families and friends who enable them to attend their unit nights and community events.”

After the parade, an awards ceremony was held where cadets in each unit were presented with an ‘Outstanding Cadet’ award.

Recipients of the awards were Charlie McDonald, from Chelmsford & Maldon VPC unit Bethany Chinnery, from Southend VPC unit, Ben Eastell, from Basildon VPC unit, David Forshaw, from Epping Forest VPC unit, Jasmine Collier, from Thurrock VPC unit,  Jake Lay-Flurrie, from Colchester VPC unit, Max Davies, from Braintree & Uttlesford VPC unit Jake Wiley, from Harlow VPC unit. 

The Volunteer Police Cadets programme is a uniformed voluntary youth organisation, supported by the police, and open to young people aged 13-18 from across the UK’s diverse communities, irrespective of their background or financial circumstances, and including those vulnerable to crime or social exclusion.

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