Brotherly send off for officer

A RETIRING Suffolk detective had an unusual departure from the force when his brother conducted his leaving presentation.

Detective constable Allan Cole left the force yesterday with his brother and boss Detective Superintendent David Cole in charge of his retiring send-off.

Allan Cole joined the force 32 years ago and his brother joined two years later.

But while younger brother David steadily climbed the career ladder, Dc Cole was happy staying a constable.

The brothers' professional paths rarely crossed over the years but Det Supt Cole eventually became his brother's boss when both were posted to intelligence.

Dc Cole, 49, said: “I always wanted to be a police officer and have enjoyed my time with Suffolk police.

“I have most enjoyed working with arts and antiques and I have enjoyed my time on the drug squad and on the beat.

“I like working with people and 98 per cent of the people in Suffolk are very good people and are very loyal and supportive.

“It is the minority that spoil it for the others and that is why we are here.”

Dc Cole said he has had no problem with his younger brother being his senior and said he is just like any other boss.

He added: “He is the brainy one because he sits in an office on his own and I sit in an office with 16 other people.

“I didn't go for promotion because I enjoyed what I was doing but the job has changed so much and if I had my time over again I would probably go for promotion.”

Det Supt Cole said his brother had received numerous commendations from crown courts and the chief constable and said he was happy to conduct his leaving speech. Dc Cole, who lives in Woodbridge, will now work in Eye as a civilian firearms enquiry officer.

Do you have memories of Dc Cole? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.