Russ Brown, John Turner, Bradley Waterfall and Steve Bradley are all retiring this month and have a combined total of over 160 years working for GMP. All four started as apprentices fixing cars, before working their way up the career ladder to various different management roles.
Not only have they grown up through their roles together, but they have spent two thirds of their lives dedicated to working at GMP.
Russ Brown is the head of fleet shared service and collaborative work between GMP and Manchester City Council. He started working at GMP as an apprentice mechanic and has remained with the force for 42 years. He retires on Friday 22 May.
John Turner is the fleet account manager and progressed from an apprentice to the role he is in today. John has just retired after 40 years’ service to GMP.
Bradley Waterfall is a technical services manager and progressed from his initial apprentice role over his 40 year career at GMP. He retires today, Wednesday 20 May.
Steve Bradley is another technical services manager and also started as an apprentice at GMP. He has worked here for 40 years and is due to retire in two weeks.
One of the biggest things that all four of them will miss is the camaraderie that comes from working at GMP and all the people they see and talk to every day. They all agreed that they felt valued in the decisions they were making to help the team out.
Current plans for retirement (due to Coronavirus) include relaxing and enjoying time with their loved ones for a few months.
TVIU Sgt Danny Kabal said: “I speak to all these guys daily and to put it simply, the specialist operations branch couldn’t do what we do without the help and support of their team. I’m sure other specialist departments and our divisional colleagues, would agree that they are a vital part in keeping our cars on the road and keeping us safe. Every police car you see has been fitted out and maintained for GMP by this team.
“They will be greatly missed by everyone as they have been so instrumental to what we do. I’ll be keeping in touch with all of them.”
