Fed’s health and safety lead retires: Deano bids farewell to Force

25 August 2023

In his final interview ahead of retirement, the Federation’s health and safety lead Deano Walker talks about his policing triumphs, proudest moments, greatest challenges and what the future holds as he prepares for life outside the Force.

After 28 years in policing - the final two spent as a full-time Federation Representative - 51-year-old Deano is finally ready to hand in his warrant card.

Deano first joined West Midlands Police Force back in January 1996, as a response officer, before fulfilling his dream to become a dog handler just a few years later.

“One of the proudest days of my life was walking through the doors of Tally-Ho back in 1996. That was everything to me,” said Deano.

“Not long after I started, I remember attending an incident on nights where cars had been broken into, we knew the offenders were still about but just couldn’t locate them. Then, when the dog handler turned up, I was fixated on watching the handler work his dog, mesmerised by how the dog worked. Within a few minutes, the dog found the offender hiding in the bushes and it was from that day on, becoming a dog handler was all I ever wanted to be.

“I worked extremely hard for several years to become a dog handler - I think some of my proudest days as an officer was when I worked with my two dogs Vinnie and then Rico with the call sign AD26.”

Unfortunately, Deano’s time as a dog handler came to a halt when he was suspended from duty.

He had been called to an incident and having pursued a vehicle; his police dog bit the passenger - resulting in Deano being suspended.

“I’m not going to lie, that led to some of my darkest days but, I firmly believe that things in life are sent to test us,” continued Deano, who explained that it was the support he received from a Fed rep at the time that inspired him to become more involved with the Federation.

A policeman crouches down next to a kneeling police dog

“My Fed rep was amazing. He supported me throughout the entire process, calling me up each week to make sure I was OK. It wasn’t a good time in my life, but that Fed rep helped get me through.

“I wanted to become more involved with the Federation, so I could support others just like I was supported.”

After all issues were resolved, Deano returned to duties on a neighbourhood team as a beat bobby whose main mode of transport was a mountain bike.

“I really enjoyed my time back on the beat, out on the streets getting to know the locals,” he recalled.

“Within a short time, I knew the community and the community knew me. I’d put on my lid, I’d head out either walking or cycling and it wasn’t long before I had a few brew stops.”

In 2012 Deano went on to become a local workplace Fed Representative, focusing on local issues and putting solutions in place that would make life ‘more comfortable for officers’.

He said: “I really pride myself in giving members a voice and I’m really proud that still, 20 years after I first spoke with them, I still get officers calling me up if they want support. Not only do they know I will do my best by them, but they also understand that I will never make any promises I can’t keep.”

After initially getting involved with the Federation 11 years ago, Deano found himself on the health and safety committee and within a few years found himself leading the subject for the Branch Board.

As the role became more demanding Deano, was given a part-time job share role where he was able to get into health and safety issues and concerns across the force. However, this demand saw a great increase during the Covid-19 pandemic so, along with support from the branch secretary Tim Rogers - campaigned to become a full-time health and safety lead for the members.

“The last time there had been such a post was around nine or 12 years ago,” said Deano, who had become the lead branch officer for the health and safety committee.

“We put a business case forward to the Chief Constable, outlining the need for a lead and it would support the Forces own health and safety goals and it worked. I was given the role around two years ago.”

A policeman's head and shoulder picture

Alongside the role, Deano has also completed a degree in Health and Safety, a milestone he is extremely proud of.

“A highlight of my career has to be getting the full-time role. I did everything I could to show the Federation how important the need was to have a full-time health and safety lead - and if it wasn’t for Tim, we wouldn’t have got it,” Deano added.

“I’m very proud of the work I have done over the last two years and feel like I’m leaving the Fed in a better position - in terms of health and safety.”

As he looks forward, Deano says he hopes that the Force and the Federation ensure they focus on the ‘health’ element of ‘health and safety’, not just ‘safety’.

He explained: “Health and safety isn’t just about trip hazards, it’s about the wellbeing of our officers too. So many of our members just ‘soldier on’ and don’t say anything. But realistically, demands are through the roof right now adding scary amounts of pressure on officers.

“We need to be supporting our members, this is an extremely testing time for not only officers but Federation Reps also.”

Deano marked his last day with West Midlands Police Force on 1 October but with leave and those great “always there days” will see him finish on 31 August where he will be starting his new career with Worcester County Council in November.

“I definitely have mixed feelings about leaving the police, lots of apprehension but also excitement,” he added.

“After being in the Force for 28 years, there’s a big bad world out there waiting for me. I’ll miss my colleagues and the friends I’ve made along the way.

“But it’s time for me to move on. The Federation has some really good reps in place at the moment and I wish them, along with whoever fills my boots every success in the future.”

“I am extremely proud to have joined and proud to have served.”

Tim Rogers said that Deano had ‘done a great job’ in improving health and safety standards across West Midlands Police Force.

“Deano has worked hard to develop health and safety policies and procedures for our members. His continuous efforts have had a real impact on improving the working environment for our members and I wish him all the best for the future,” said Tim.