Telford Police Sergeant Louis Hylton MBE to retire next month
A Police Sergeant from Telford, who received a MBE from the Queen back in 2011, will be retiring next month after almost 25 years with West Mercia Police.
Sergeant Louis Hylton, who has been based at Madeley Police Station for many years as part of the South Telford Safer Neighbourhood Team, will be working his final day with West Mercia Police on Friday 1 February having completed his service.
Before joining the police service, Sergeant Hylton also served for 15 years in the Royal Artillery, including three tours of duty in Northern Ireland.
During his time as a police officer in Telford, Sergeant Hylton has worked closely with partner agencies and local residents to tackle anti-social behaviour by encouraging a pro-active approach by his officers and members of the Special Constabulary.
He has led a number of initiatives and has fully engaged with the community he serves through holding residents' meetings, putting out information in local parish magazines and through leaflet drops.
When arrests have been necessary in his policing area Sergeant Hylton always made a concerted effort to be involved and this has led the execution of warrants for theft and drug offences, but in a conspicuous manner in order to provide community reassurance.
The MBE Sergeant Hylton received in 2011 was awarded to recognise his work tackling anti-social behaviour and the significant difference he has made to the engagement between the police service and the community.
Speaking about his time with West Mercia Police, Sergeant Hylton said:
"I am very sad to be leaving as I have loved my time as a police officer in Telford. I would love to have stayed on but I have only happy memories of serving the people of the Borough and I have been proud to work on behalf of the people of South Telford in recent times.
"There are many things I am proud of - my work with young people and tackling anti-social behaviour for example - but there is no doubt that the highlight for me was being awarded the MBE. It came as a complete surprise - I actually thought it was a wind up initially - but it is an honour I cherish every single day.
"Visiting Buckingham Palace to receive my award from the ‘big boss' - Her Majesty the Queen - is something my family and I will never ever forget.
"I'm also very fortunate to have worked with so many fantastic people during my time with West Mercia Police.
"I can't emphasise enough the fact that my colleagues - the Police Officers, the Community Support Officers, the Specials and everyone who works with us - really are fantastic at their jobs and that the people of Telford are very fortunate to have such dedicated staff working to protect them.
"I will miss all my friends at West Mercia Police dearly but I would warn them that I will not be a stranger and that I very much look forward to seeing them all regularly in the future."
Paying tribute to Sergeant Hylton, Superintendent Nav Malik, Police Commander in Telford, said:
"Although I have only been in post for three months it is obvious to me quite how well respected and admired Louis is as both an officer and a man.
"He has contributed a huge amount during his time in the police service and the MBE he received in 2011 was the perfect acknowledgment of his achievements.
"We will all miss Louis greatly - he is a tough act to follow on many levels - and on behalf of all his friends and colleagues in Telford, and across West Mercia, I'd like to thank him for all his efforts and wish him and his family all the very best for the future."
