Bob hangs up his police helmet after 51 years

RETIREMENTS are rarely as well deserved as Robert 'Bob' Hefford's, who has served with Devon and Cornwall Police for a remarkable 51 years and four months.

- By CARL EVE

Chief Supt Matt Longman and Bob Hefford outside Charles Cross police station

During his career, which began in 1974, he has served in a number of ranks and roles, from a humble police constable before rising to become an Inspector, working across the two counties, including out of Barnstaple, Plymouth, Wadebridge and Saltash.

While the now 76-year old initially retired in 2009, he evidently felt he still had more to do and returned to the force as police staff investigator.

During his career in the police he found time to study, gaining a BA degree in Social and Organisation Studies (Police) in 1991 then in 2019 he secured an English Language GCSE, getting a distinction in his spoken language section.

Some of his exploits over his working life hit the local press and colleagues have paid tribute to his varied roles, which included patrol officer, a serious and complex crime investigator, a community Sergeant, a control room supervisor and a custody supervisor.

While a constable in Barnstaple he found himself in court explaining why he inadvertently punched a violent drunkard in the mouth, claiming that in the melee he was aiming for his stomach "to wind him" but the raging suspect remained "fighting mad".