| Gurcharan Singh Dhesi |
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 On Tuesday 20th July 2010 at New Scotland Yard, MPSA member, Gurcharan Singh Dhesi, received an Assistant Commissioner’s commendation for ‘Assisting with a very successful Cadet Corporation and Junior Citizenship’ from AC Ian McPherson.Born in 1949, Punjab, India, Gurcharan Singh Dhesi came to the UK in 1960. After finishing his education he formed a Hockey section in Shere-E-Panjab sports club with young Panjabi youngsters and took player to compete in international tournaments. He had a flare to work with young people and the community where by he has worked as a part- time youth leader at Belvedere youth centre and in Charlton in the 70’s formed a new Rathmore Youth Centre and by working there part-time in the evenings after work, it was developed to a point where full time staff was has to be employed. Gurcharan, had several jobs as Laboratory Technician, mechanic, building site worker and at the Ford Motor company. He is married with three children and is a proud grandfather of three. In 1973, Gurcharan joined the Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary (MSC), at the time he was one of the very few turban wearing Sikhs. Now with 37 years he is the longest serving Asian Special. His entire service has been on Bexley borough. He still manages to put in voluntary patrol hours on Fridays and Saturdays even though he has a full time job with Bexley Accessible Transport Scheme providing affordable, accessible and safe transport for community and voluntary groups. He is also on the executive of Bexley Council for Racial Equality since 1970. Served on the Bexley Crime Prevention Panel. He is also on Bexley Voluntary Service Council as an executive member/Trustee on the committee. Gurcharan enjoys being a Special, he currently works on projects involving young people such as the cadets and junior citizenship programme. In his long service he has done various duties and assisted with the Belvedere Gurdwara major investigation in the 80’s. Being one of the very few ethnic minority officers at the time he recalls Sergeant Burt in the 70’s saying “Dhesi, you got to better than us to survive in the police force”. Gurcharan has certainly proved this as he has certainly survived the police service with distinction. He has a Commander’s commendation for services to the MSC, he got a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal after 20 years and a BAR after completing 29 years service. In his spare time (when he has a bit) Gurcharan loves Hockey and Squash and he has an allotment and enjoys growing own vegetables. DS Gurpal Virdi "The MPSA is immensely proud of Special Sergeant Gurcharan Dhesi, he is an outstanding officer who has more service than any of the Asian officers which is an achievement in itself and he is still going strong. A true Sikh and we need more like him". |