POLICE and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia Bill Longmore has praised the force’s chief constable David Shaw’s ‘exceptional leadership’ after he announced he will retire later this year.
Mr Shaw, who has led the force since August 2011, joined West Mercia as Deputy Chief Constable in 2008 following many years service with the West Midlands force.
The responsibility of selecting Mr Shaw’s replacement will fall to whoever replaces Mr Longmore as Police and Crime Commissioner with an election taking place on May 5.
Ch Con Shaw, who retires on July 31, said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to have been part of two teams looking after the communities of West Midlands and West Mercia policing areas.
“Even after 36 years as a police officer, it is impossible to describe the sense of pride and admiration for what officers and staff achieve every single day. Their courage, humanity and desire to do the right thing remain inspiring.
“The eight years I have had with West Mercia have been among the toughest but also happiest of my service.
“The successes we have delivered together have only been possible with the outstanding support of colleagues of every role and rank, my colleagues in Warwickshire Police and of course Bill Longmore, the Police and Crime Commissioner.”
Mr Longmore said: “Throughout decades in policing I have worked with many chief constables, and David Shaw is right up there with the very best,” he said.
