Cheshire Constabulary marks Armed Forces Day 2021

Cheshire Constabulary has marked Armed Forces Day with a flag raising ceremony at its headquarters in Winsford.

Members of the military family were invited along to a small event to see the raising of the flag at the front of the building on Monday 21 June.

The flag will be on display all week, with Armed Forces Day itself taking place on Saturday 26 June. The day is an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community - from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.

The event was kept to a maximum of 30 guests in order to comply with current Covid-19 guidelines. Amongst those attending were Chief Constable Mark Roberts and Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer.

Chief Constable Roberts said: "We are delighted to have been able to mark Armed Forces Day and pay respect to the military - including current serving members, veterans and their families.

"We have many officers and staff who have been involved in some capacity with the Armed Forces, and I would personally like to thank them for the fantastic work they have done, and continue to do, in keeping our country safe."

Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer added: "Those who have served with the Armed Forces have gone above and beyond for their country to keep our communities safe.

"It was an honour to come together with Chief Constable Roberts, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner David McNeilage and other members of the force to celebrate the amazing achievements of serving members of the military and veterans.

"I would encourage everyone in Cheshire to support Armed Forces Day this weekend and pay respect to those who have served to protect our country."

The Constabulary won the Bronze award for its Armed Forces work last year and has also been nominated for the silver ERS Award this year from the Ministry Of Defence.

As well as this, PC Garry Geoghegan became the first non-serving member of the Armed Forces to ever win the HM Lord-Lieutenants' and HE Lieutenant Governor's Commendation earlier this year for his outstanding work.

Part of the work he did included helping to turn people's lives around after they had turned to crime, and he also led a scheme to provide bikes to ex-army personnel and members of the community.

Pictured - Chief Constable Mark Roberts and Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer outside Headquarters for Armed Forces Day.