Dedicated Speedwatch champion honoured for decade of service in National Volunteers Week.

A former firefighter who has devoted 12 years to reducing speeding in his community has been honoured by Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen as the nation marks National Volunteers Week.

Tom Drummond, who completed 20 years’ service as a firefighter with Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service, has been volunteering for Community Speedwatch on behalf of Consett Neighbourhood Policing Team since 2010.

He is credited with helping Consett Neighbourhood Policing Team frequently deliver the highest number of Community Speedwatch deployments of any area across the force and has drawn praise from across the county for his passion and dedication to reducing speeding and making his community safer.

Tom has now received a coveted Commissioner’s Commendation award by PCC Joy Allen in recognition of his sterling road safety efforts. The award celebrates the special achievements of individuals, groups and organisations whose efforts are helping the Commissioner deliver on her vision for creating safer, stronger and more resilient communities.  

Tom said “I was always complaining to Consett Police about speeding in the area. As I am an ex-fireman I have seen some terrible accidents that remind us that speed kills. I knew that other areas of the country ran the Community Speedwatch scheme, so I contacted the previous PCC Ron Hogg to ask why we weren’t doing this in our area. When it was agreed we were able to start it up I got all the relevant training I needed to ensure I could do the job confidently.

“The best thing about being a volunteer is the job satisfaction you get from giving something back to the community where you live. I would ask anyone to give volunteering a try and you can see what works for you.”

This comes as new figures show Community Speedwatch volunteers issued more than 4,000 warning letters to motorists following operations across the Force area last year. There are now 134 Speedwatch volunteers across the county.

The Commissioner has praised the efforts of all Community Speedwatch monitors and other policing volunteers in celebration of National Volunteers Week, which runs from June 1-7.

She said: “Tom is a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award and I’m very grateful that he continues to dedicate so much of his time to making our roads safer.

“I would like to thank all of our Community Speedwatch volunteers and safety stalwarts working in support of the force to make County Durham and Darlington a safer place to live, work and visit. Without their efforts and dedication, our area would not be the safe and welcoming place it is today, and their support is greatly appreciated.

“Road safety is a top priority for our residents and I am really proud that residents continue to give up their free time to remind drivers of their responsibilities behind the wheel and help prevent further tragedies on our roads.”

Tom, who also supports Durham Constabulary on Farmwatch operations and bike marking as part of Operation Spoke, was previously awarded a Certificate Of Recognition in 2015 by Durham County Council in recognition of his volunteering efforts.

Other achievements include Volunteer Team Of The Year from Durham Constabulary presented in 2014 to Tom and other policing volunteers.

If you would like to get involved and become a Community Speedwatch volunteer, contact Ian McKenna on ian.mckenna@durham.police.uk.

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