‘Rugeley Sheriff’ set to retire after 50 years of dedicated service

After an incredible 50 years of frontline service to local communities in September this year, Special Sergeant Kevin Lee —affectionately known as the Rugeley Sheriff—is set to retire from the force in January 2026.

Kevin has been a cornerstone of community policing in Rugeley, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and residents alike.  His unwavering commitment to keeping the local area safe and his passion for engaging with the community have defined his career, which has spanned six decades and nine Chief Constables.

Kevin joined the force in September 1975 and enjoyed roles at Stafford, Cannock and Cheslyn Hay, before moving for the last 34 years to Rugeley.  He retired as a police officer in November 2011 but his passion brought him back to policing the very next working day, in the Special Constabulary and devoting more of his life to local communities on a voluntary basis.

Reflecting on his service, Kevin said, “Community policing has always been at the heart of what I do.  Building relationships, understanding local concerns and being a reassuring presence in Rugeley is what kept me going all these years.”

“I have dedicated a life’s work to Staffordshire Police and the communities I have served.  This has never simply been a job to me but a vocation in life, to protect and serve the people of Staffordshire.”

“Hopefully I have achieved this and had a positive impact in the community.  I would do it all again, fuelled by the passion and commitment that has defined my journey.”

(Left to right top row: PC Wendy Garrett, PCSO Liz Dale, PCSO Keaton Martin and PCSO Chad Carrington. Lef to right bottom row: S/Sgt Kevin Lee and PCSO Sean Nicholls)

To evidence some of his dedication to the service, back in February, S/Sgt Lee used his expert knowledge of the local area after being told by someone that a theft has happened in the town.  He predicted the route the suspect would take, waited for them, and caught them. £600 in stock was received and the suspect was brought in to custody for questioning.  This is one of many.

Even when he’s supposed to be off duty, S/Sgt Lee is still fighting crime.  He had a call from a concerned member of the community about a man acting suspiciously near a shop.  He made a few quick calls and managed to deploy officers in the right places to intercept the suspect after the theft had occurred.  He was arrested and taken to custody.

To mark his upcoming retirement, Kevin met with Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams and Deputy Commissioner David Evans, last month. The trio walked through the town, reflecting on Kevin’s remarkable career and discussing the importance of community policing.

Staffordshire Deputy Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner, David Evans said: “It was great to patrol the streets of Rugeley with Kevin. It was evident that Kevin is highly respected by residents and shop workers for his commitment to keeping them safe and making Rugeley a better place to live and work.

“Special Constables are vital, they are the eyes and ears on the ground who get to know the root causes of issues communities face. Kevin’s relationship with the community and knowledge of the town is a great example of fantastic community policing. I want to thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Special Constables play a vital role in policing, volunteering their time to support full-time officers and make a real difference in their communities. If Kevin’s story has inspired you, find out more about becoming a special constable or joining as a paid police constable on our website here.