A dedicated Nottinghamshire Police emergency call handler celebrated his 70th birthday doing what he does best – offering a reassuring voice to those seeking help from the force.
Neil Pacey has worked in the busy control room for more than 13 years and was surprised with a desk bedecked with presents, cards and balloons for his milestone day on Friday (26 August 2022).
After previously seeing the world while serving with the Royal Navy, Neil says a police call handler job had always appealed to him.
“Every day is completely and utterly different and you never know what the next call will be,” Neil said.
“It is something I had always wanted to do and after a few attempts I got the job. I enjoy working with my colleagues as much as I enjoy the work itself.
“It is like a big family. I know a lot of officers too, as several have started out in the control room and are now sergeants and inspectors.
“When I came in this morning, it brought a lump to my throat to see my desk covered in balloons, cards and presents. I felt quite humbled by it all and I’d like to thank everyone for making my birthday so special.”
Neil served for 23 years with the Royal Navy and says ‘apart from Canada and Japan’, he has seen the world.
He also previously worked in security at Nottingham Trent University.
Superintendent Suk Verma, head of contact management for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Neil is part of the family here and that is what policing is about, looking out for each other.
“He embodies the spirit of the force and the reaction to this big milestone shows very clearly what we all think of him.
“It is also great for the department that we have someone working here who is celebrating their 70thbirthday. It shows this is a great place to work and an atmosphere that people can enjoy and thrive in.
“As it was his birthday we let Neil leave early so he could enjoy a well-deserved drink.”