Doncaster police officer stepping down after 50 years with South Yorkshire Police

When Eamonn Larkin joined the ranks of South Yorkshire Police, a loaf of bread cost about 15p and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody topped the music charts.

Almost half a century has passed since then and although the world may have changed, Eamonn's dedication and commitment to protecting the people of South Yorkshire has never faltered.

2024 is a commemorative year for South Yorkshire Police as it marks 50 years since its formation.

One year after its inauguration, a young Eamonn joined the ranks and after 49 years, he has decided to hang up his boots for good.

Ahead of his retirement later this month, Eamonn talked about his vast and varied policing career, including his highlights, memories and what he will take from his time in the force.

Eamonn first joined SYP in September 1975 in a paid role as a police cadet.

He spent the first year of his role at Granville College and was employed in various police stations and departments across Sheffield.

The following year, he spent the "hot summer of 1976" working at the force’s police stables - and it was a role he relished.

"There was lots of mucking out and grooming horses and it meant that I wasn't stuck in an office like other colleagues,” he said.

After being appointed as a constable, Eamonn was posted to Attercliffe D3 sub-division and later became a member of the underwater search unit.

This worked on a callout basis and meant he was called upon to carry out searches as and when required.

He added a further string to his bow by joining the Mounted Section. However, as he was planning to leave the underwater search unit, he suffered an injury after being thrown from a horse while out patrolling.

"I returned to work but wasn’t considered physically capable of riding horses or to carry out diving duties,” he added.

"Following this, I then spent a period of time in the Force Operations Room, where I was posted to Woodseats.

"I enjoyed my time at that station and worked on a duty group and as an area constable."

Eamonn was then successful in securing a role as a crime prevention officer in Sheffield and worked out in the central and southern areas of the city before retiring in 2007 while working from Yorkshire House.

Recalling this memory, Eamonn said: "That was probably the most enjoyable part of my career, working with a team who took great pride in, and great pleasure from their job."

After being urged to reapply for his job as member of support staff, Eamonn rejoined the force in the same role and was transferred to Doncaster.

"That was the first time I had worked at Doncaster, and I found that it was a great place to work with some top officers and staff," Eamonn said.

October 2024 will be his last month with SYP and he has recognised the positive changes that have occurred in policing since he joined the force almost 50 years ago.

However, he has also recognised some of the difficulties officers can also face in their day-to-day roles.

"Officers today have it more difficult than when I was in uniform," Eamonn said. "The amount of paperwork required to get a case to court is amazing and officers will make sure this is all completed so that justice can prevail.

"In the past, nobody had mobile phones to record everything taking place and all reports of crime were made over the phone, with an officer then attending the scene and taking a statement.

"Some big changes have been made for the better, and it's great to see the progress that has been made over the years."