A Staffordshire Police Federation member selected to take part in Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the Commonwealth Games has described the role as a “once in a career opportunity”.
PC Jonathan Vernon successfully applied to be part of the police relay team in May last year and found out he had been selected on his daughter’s birthday in December.
He had to complete a variety of bleep tests, assessments and personal training sessions to be part of the baton guards.
He said: “I’ve always been a keen runner, but this was gruelling.”
The response officer, who is based at Cannock Police Station, joined a team of colleagues from West Midlands Police to run alongside the baton on its route through Scotland - including Loch Ness, Dumfries House and Calton Hill from 16 to 23 June.
Police officers have been following the baton as it nears the end of its 90,000 mile journey across the Commonwealth.
“It was really refreshing to get the opportunity to chat with the baton bearers and the local communities whilst we were in Scotland,” said Jonathan.
“The spectators and athletes were very enthusiastic and appreciated our efforts to keep people safe during the baton’s route through the country.
“Being involved in this has reminded me of how proud I am to be a police officer and it’s certainly a change from my usual policing duties and it’s something which I can certainly look back on as a career highlight.”
“This role really is a once in a career opportunity, something that I can reflect on as being a career highlight.”
More than 7,500 baton bearers will have carried the baton across 72 nations and territories by the time it arrives at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 28 July.
Once the baton completed its tours of Northern Ireland and Wales, Jonathan’s next deployment was on day one of the England leg which included the Eden Project and the Wave Centre in Bristol.
“I’m only half way through the deployment but so far the experience has been fantastic.
“Not only is it a total change of Policing but I’m also working with officers from another Force who have all been very welcoming.
“The baton bearers and spectators have also been enthusiastic and happy with my team’s presence. As much as I enjoy my role on response, it’s a refreshing change to what I’m used to.
“When I rejoin the team I will be heading to Skegness as the baton makes its way to the north east and north west of England.
“My final deployment will be in the final days of the relay where there will be a real focus on the Midlands, including Staffordshire, before the baton takes its final steps into Alexander Stadium in Birmingham for the opening ceremony of the games.
“The baton will then be opened and the Queen’s personal message will be read out to the world.”
Jonathan, front row, far left, with the the police baton relay team in Scotland
