PC Andy Grapsas moves on

We are sorry to learn that our local policeman, PC Andy Grapsas, is moving away from Long Ditton and taking up a new role.  We congratulate him on his promotion! He writes:

Dear resident, colleague, and friend,
 
It is with a heavy heart that I write this message to inform you of my impending departure as Neighbourhood Officer for the Dittons and Hinchley Wood where I have spent the last six years and furthermore had the most enjoyable time of my career to date. I feel proud and priviledged to have served a community that I have such an affinity for, covering the area in which I grew up, went to school and still have strong family ties; and this is truly an emotional departure for me.
 
I am leaving – on promotion to the rank of sergeant – to join Woking Neighbourhood Team, as it is a mandatory requirement for officers who achieve promotion to move to a new area with new staff and fresh challenges. I have always been extremely happy in my current role and it is fair to say that it is solely personal circumstances and the desire to maximise my ability to provide for my infant son that has led me to consider promotion and a subsequent move away from an area I regard as home.
 
The promotion process is a long one over the course of two years, and I was informed in August that I had been ultimately successful and was given a start date in my new capacity of Sunday 12th September. During the next few weeks Borough Inspector Richard Haycock and Sergeant Greg Turner will be interviewing candidates for the Dittons role, and I know that they are keen to recruit ‘Surrey’s finest’ for the position. I am aware that there are already a couple of strong candidates who I thoroughly endorse and believe will make excellent Neighbourhood Officers. Rest assured we are committed to finding a strong replacement to provide the Dittons community with the high standard of service it deserves.
 
I leave behind an excellent team who I know will continue to work hard to help make the Dittons a safe and pleasant place to be. Indeed I would like to take this opportunity to thank PCSO’s Richard and Nigel for their considerable contribution to the Dittons during my time here and indeed Laura and Carl before them. You really do have a fine team covering your area and I am certain that the Dittons will continue to flourish in the coming years.
 
I would also like to thank the residents, councillors and partners who have supported and assisted me over the years and truly made coming to work an absolute pleasure. I will sincerely miss you all.
 
Many, many thanks.
 
Andy
 
 
PC 3421 Andy Grapsas
Neighbourhood Officer for The Dittons and Hinchley Wood
Surrey Police
0845 125 2222 Ext. 31012
07967 988 177
www.surrey.police.uk