4 June 2008
On Tuesday I was delighted to join the borough commander, David Bilson, for the police's commendation ceremony at Syon House.
I was so impressed with the bravery and professionalism of those people who work in the borough to keep us all safe. Here's what I said on your behalf:
Thank you for inviting me to speak to your commendation ceremony: it's a privilege to be here.
I know that police officers and all those who work with the police, when they talk about what they do, describe their work as "the job."
But we all know it's no ordinary job – and we have seen that tonight.
We all ask you, every single day, to do things most of us would never do.
To put yourselves in the front line of situations that the rest of us might prefer to run away from.
To put up with abuse, and aggression, and disrespect.
Often, to put yourselves in danger on our behalf.
That's not a "job".
That's duty, dedication, a true vocation - and it deserves the highest respect and gratitude from everyone in this country.
In turn, we the people - and the politicians - owe you something: our support.
As Sir Robert Peel famously said, the police are the public and the public are the police.
As one officer recently remarked when we were discussing policing, "at the end of the day, we all want the same thing".
And so we do.
We all want to see a safer society.
On behalf of the people of Hounslow can I offer you all here tonight – our grateful and heart felt thanks."
Cllr Peter Thompson
Leader
London Borough of Hounslow