The work of almost 1,000 volunteers in the emergency services across the county have been praised by the Staffordshire Commissioner.
Ben Adams paid tribute to those who give up their time as part of National Volunteers Week.
The Staffordshire Commissioner said their role was crucial to both police and fire services.
“Volunteers are an important part of the work of my office, and I’d like to thank them all for their commitment and dedication in giving up their time to make a difference to the services and their communities.
“Volunteers can bring fresh ideas, help to raise local concerns and suggest solutions to problems.
“They also act as advocates, sharing their experiences of working with the local police and fire and rescue Service within their own neighbourhoods.”
Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams
Roles undertaken by volunteers include sitting on scrutiny panels, acting as custody visitors, working as specials and cadets, supporting police dog welfare checks and operating as community speedwatch teams.
Sharon Mulvaney has been volunteering as an appropriate adult to support detainees since September 2023. She said:
“Being detained can be a stressful experience, especially for those with mental health or other vulnerabilities.
“By listening to their situation, I can guide them through the custody process and make sure they understand what’s happening. I’m totally independent of the Police so provide unbiased support in whatever manner they need.
“I’ve worked on cases from public order to murder and everything in between. I don’t think many people appreciate how close we all are to being in a prison cell – just one bad decision can change the course of your life forever.
“I was pleasantly surprised at how much the police value the support we provide, as well as the solicitors and healthcare professionals who make up the team who work through the custody process.”
Sharon Mulvaney
More details on volunteering roles are available on the Staffordshire Commissioner website.
