A fond farewell to Dave
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A frontline officer has decided to hang up his uniform and retire from our force family after more than three decades of dedicated service to the communities of Staffordshire.
Sergeant Dave Cruxton’s journey with us began as a cadet in 1986, and he quickly moved on to the mounted branch, where he patrolled on horseback.
His versatility has seen him take on various roles, including response officer, wildlife crime officer, and road policing unit member. His love of nature made him an ideal fit for tackling wildlife crime and his passion for road safety was evident in his work with the unit.
After a career break teaching skiing in France, Dave returned to response policing in the Moorlands. Then, in 2018, he joined the newly-formed road policing unit, where he served as a PC and later as an acting sergeant.
His leadership skills were further recognised when he became a sergeant at Longton and the Moorlands.
In the last six months, Dave has been instrumental in the CRaSH project, training frontline officers and enhancing collision investigations. His efforts have led to significant improvements in the recording and investigation of road traffic collisions.
He has also been an active member of the off-road motorbike team in the north of the county, tackling offending on two wheels.
Beyond his official duties, Dave has continued to support VIPEX (VIP Escort) and wide load operations. He is also a dedicated instructor, teaching BikeSafe and volunteering with Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Young Riders Pre-CBT scheme.
Chief Inspector Scott McGrath, head of our road crime team, said: "Dave’s passion for teaching and mentoring, whether through BikeSafe or the Young Riders Pre-CBT scheme, highlights his commitment to safety and education.
“As he steps into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication, versatility and a passion for making a difference. His colleagues and the community will undoubtedly miss his presence, but his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Dave retires on 7 February – his birthday!
If you’re interested in a career in policing, visit our website here: Careers | Staffordshire Police