‘Geoff has been an excellent Federation chair’

20 May 2022

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Geoff Bardell yesterday retired from the police service.

Geoff announced his retirement ahead of this week’s annual Federation conference and now plans to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

He said serving as branch chair, a position he held for four years, had been an honour and a privilege and thanked members for their support over the years.

“I have enjoyed every minute as branch chair and I am sure I will miss the good people I have worked with over the years,” said Geoff.

“But I am sure the branch will continue to go from strength to strength and keep pressing for the best possible outcomes on the key issues that matter for the members such as pay and conditions, pensions and officer wellbeing.

“I am also confident that Luke Mitchell, who will be taking on the chair’s role, will be a great asset to Hertfordshire Police Federation and its members.”

Branch secretary Al Wollaston paid tribute to the outgoing chair.

He said: “Geoff has been an excellent chair and I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside him over the last few years.

“He always went above and beyond and was always there to support me and be there for members. He will be missed by many of the officers he has supported over the years and is a real loss to the organisation. 

“I think we made a good team and have hopefully taken the branch forward since taking over our respective roles.

“I wish Geoff all the very best in his retirement. He has worked very hard and it is now time for a well-earned rest. Not only has he been an excellent chair but he has been a well-liked and well thought of police officer and supervisor for the last 30 years, mainly based at Watford. He was well known within the town for his community policing and was a go to person for the various professionals that worked there.”

Al added: “I am looking forward to working with Luke and continuing the good work of the Hertfordshire branch.”