Tributes have been paid to the outgoing head of the Isle of Man Special Constabulary who has retired after a distinguished career spanning four decades.
A presentation was held at Police Headquarters to honour John Higginbotham who rose through the ranks to become Commandant of the volunteer section of the Isle of Man Constabulary.
John, a senior manager with the Isle of Man Post Office, joined the Special Constabulary in September 1981, working in Douglas. He was promoted in January 1987 to section officer, equivalent to the rank of sergeant in the full-time police force, and in January 1994 to divisional officer, similar to inspector, in Peel.
John became Commandant in May 2001 following the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Roy Leeder. During his 34-year service with the Special Constabulary, John has been commended on several occasions for his skill, hard work and courage.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said:
‘The primary focus of the Department is to maintain public safety and to look after vulnerable people in their time of need. Members of the Special Constabulary devote a great deal of their own time to serving the local community, working alongside regular officers to provide added resilience. The commitment and dedication shown by John Higginbotham, and indeed all the volunteers involved in the organisation, is testament to the great community spirit in the Isle of Man.’
Chief Constable Gary Roberts added:
‘John Higginbotham has served the Constabulary and the community in an exemplary fashion for more than 34 years. He led the Special Constabulary with distinction for well over a decade and he was instrumental in helping to integrate the Special Constabulary into the wider organisation. His level-headed common sense made him a particularly good Special Constable and a practical and pragmatic Commandant. I am really grateful to him for all that he has done.’
Mr Higginbotham will be succeeded by Dean Johnson, a commercial airline pilot, who will have the title of Chief Officer, Isle of Man Special Constabulary.
