On Air Now

Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 6:30am

Now Playing

Shawn Mendes

There's Nothing Holding Me Back

North Yorkshire Police make local man's dream come true

North Yorkshire Police paid a special visit to 31-year-old police and Traffic Cops enthusiast Lance, who has cerebral palsy.

North Yorkshire Police make local man's dream come true North Yorkshire Police have paid a special visit to a local 31-year-old police enthusiast to make his dream come true. Lance has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and is also visually impaired. His condition has deteriorated over the years which means he now struggles to walk. And at this year’s Catterick Summer Fete, North Yorkshire Police’s local neighbourhood policing team met the 31-year-old and learnt he has a keen passion for the police. Lance also has lifelong ambition to become a police officer. Sadly he us unable due to his disabilities. But as a keen police enthusiast, Lance is a big fan of the Channel 5 programme “Traffic Cops” and so North Yorkshire Police organised for one of the stars of the show - Harrogate's Sergeant Paul Cording - to pay him a special visit. [caption id="attachment_74682" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Lance alongside Sgt Paul Cording.[/caption] Last week, Sergeant Cording washed down one of the force’s newest police BMWs and headed to Lance’s home address alongside PCSO Nicole Randall and PC Lisa Recchia. The officers spent time answering the many questions that he had about what life is like on the beat in North Yorkshire. A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

"Lance was given the opportunity to sit in the traffic car and was even allowed to turn the lights and sirens on! "Sergeant Paul Cording also showed him how to operate the stinger (or it could have been the other way round!) "North Yorkshire Police always strives to ensure that its officers are looking smart and of course Lance was dressed for the occasion in full police uniform. "Lance was displaying the Inspectors pips which means he is Superior to Nicole, Lisa and Paul. Good luck with that Lance!"
Nicole, Lisa and Paul presented Lance with a framed North Yorkshire Police crest which is now going to take centre place in his dining room. Lance’s Mum Marion said:
 “My son Lance is 31 years old, and has many disabilities, he uses a walker at home and a wheelchair when he's out and about. He also has carers helping him daily with his tasks. “Ever since he was a young boy, he has always had a fascination with the police and constantly told me he was going to be a police officer. When were out and about he uses a toy walkie talkie to report all the naughty motorists!"
Marion added:
“Lance’s ambition is to be a police officer; he has even informed me that he is going to marry a police lady so he can join the force. He knows all about the stinger and TPAC from constantly watching Traffic Cops. “My son sadly will never be able to join the police because of all his disabilities but his passion is paramount.”
Lance’s sister Jennette added:
“We want to say thank you to the police as a family, we know how hard your job can be. “Thank you for the kindness and the joy you have brought to my brother, he really loves everyone just for being you, so thank you”.
North Yorkshire Police’s head of Specialist Operations, Superintendent Alex Butterfield said:
“I was delighted to hear all about the visit that we made to Lance’s house. Nicole, Lisa and Paul were honoured to be able to organise this special occasion for such a courageous and inspirational person. “We strive to be at the heart of the communities that we serve, so it was our pleasure to be able to surprise this keen advocate for the force. “From all of us here at North Yorkshire Police, Thank you for the support Lance.”
Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

More from Local News