‘Once-in-a-career opportunity’ for Fed member at Paralympics

12 August 2024

A Federation member has shared his excitement as he prepares to represent Derbyshire Police at the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games.

PC Ryan McGrath will act as a general patrol officer throughout the Paralympics in Paris, which will begin on 28 August following the conclusion of the Olympics.

Ryan will travel to the French capital the day before the Games commence, along with two other Derbyshire cops. The group were successful in a ballot which all Police Support Unit (PSU)-trained officers were eligible to apply for.

He said: “I am delighted and feel very fortunate that I came up lucky in being selected. When I first heard about the ballot a few months back, it immediately jumped out to me as a once-in-a-career opportunity, so I knew I had to take the chance and be within a shot.

PC Ryan McGrath at No.10 Downing Street.

“I’m really looking forward to what should be a special couple of weeks.”

Although specific details of his duties are yet to be confirmed, Ryan will be supporting French police by assisting in areas of high footfall such as metro stations and approaches to stadiums and arenas across the 12-day multi-sport event.

Paralympics

Despite his anticipation, he maintained that the role comes with a high level of responsibility: “The Paralympics is one of the biggest international sporting events there is, so it’s a huge job to keep the public safe and ensure order is kept.

“We will be joined by general patrol officers from all over the world, so it will be good to come together as one force and work to achieve this,” he continued.

Ryan, who joined the Force through a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship, became PSU-trained after completing a Level 2 course in Public Order. This has seen him attend various mutual aid assignments in recent months.

The 28-year-old was part of the Derbyshire team nominated for a national Police Bravery Award after their exemplary response to a serious crowd disorder at Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League match at home to Legia Warsaw last November.

He added he will be looking to build on his growing experience of managing public order at the Paralympics.

“I finished my degree in February and I am really enjoying life as a constable so far. I want to keep developing as an officer and working in such busy, high-profile environments will help me do that.

“To get an opportunity like this so early into my career is a real privilege,” he ended.