Mike Wadsworth
THE POLICE OFFICER

Mike Wadsworth, 44, is a police officer when not on duty with the Air Cadets in North Region.

Employed by West Yorkshire Police he is a Police Trained Advanced Driver with a plethora of certificates in road accident investigation, traffic law, tactical pursuit and containment not to mention being a qualified in drugs investigator and a trained family liaison officer.

Currently working as the Vulnerable Victims Co-ordinator for Wakefield District Division dealing with issues around vulnerable adults such as the elderly, impaired, disabled or disadvantaged along with an involvement in Vulnerable/Problem Juveniles and child protection matters.

As an additional duty, I have a force wide responsibility for ceremonial duties such as parades and funerals as required. In this role I also work with the local authorities and local ex-service associations with regard to ceremonial events.

"I joined the ATC in 1973 as a Cadet with 2460 (Pontefract) Squadron, South & West Yorkshire Wing. Gained Cadet Warrant Officer rank, Staff Cadet Qualification and my Gliding Proficiency Certificate. I was also Drum Major of the Squadron Band and judged Cadet of the Year in 1976, " said Mike.

With work commitments (I joined the RAF as a pilot briefly before joining the police force) I had only a few short years away from the Air Cadets, returning in 1982 as a Civilian Instructor at 2447 (Calder Valley) Squadron before a work posting took me to 2388 (Castleford) Squadron.

At Castleford I was granted a RAF VR(T) Commission in 1986. In 1989 I transferred to 2357 (Goole) Squadron following a staffing crisis and appointed Squadron Adjutant.

In 1990, I transferred to 1053 (Armthorpe) Squadron, having moved house to Doncaster. I also worked at 103 (Doncaster) Squadron and at South Elmsall Detached Flight.

"The ACO is a marvellous organisation, it gives so many opportunities to develop your skills as an adult and seeing the faces of the cadets when they achieve something new is worth every moment, " said Mike.

I took an active interest in Public Relations, School Liaison and Recruitment taking a principle role in increasing the profile of both units within the community as numbers began to grow.

As the PR Role took off, I began to develop more efficient methods of news distribution, using technology and the emerging improvements in the use of e-mail and digital photography. I was awarded the North Region Public Relations award in 2001.

I was appointed Wing Corporate Communications Officer for S&W Yorks Wing in April 2001 and North Region Corporate Communications Officer in November 2001.

Awarded a Commandant's Certificate of Meritorious Service in November 2004.

Mike said: "If you are going to volunteer for something then there's none better than the Air Cadets."