Faith representatives gathered at Leicestershire Police HQ to say farewell to Roger Bannister, Deputy Chief Constable who will sadly be leaving his post to retire after five years with the force.
The awards presentation was organised by former High Sheriff Resham Singh Sandhu. A plaque on behalf of the faith communities was presented to Roger to personally thank him for his hard work over the years and efforts in maintaining good community relations in the county.
Assistant City Mayor Councillor Manjula Sood MBE, Chief Constable Simon Cole, Police and Crime Commissioner Willy Bach, Suleman Nagdi from the Federation of Muslim Organisations and Romail Gulzar Chair of Crimestoppers were amongst those who attended the presentation.
Roger Bannister, who reflects back on his time with Leicestershire Police, said: “I’ve been really touched by people’s comments. The role has been superb really on two fronts, both professionally as the Deputy Chief Constable in the force, which has a great relationship with its partners and the community. We’ve worked together really closely and some of that has been great, but also on a personal level for myself, my wife and my family, we’ve been kindly invited to lots of do’s and many things across the force area and for them, it’s been equally brilliant. It’s been a great five years.”
Suleman Nagdi from the Federation of Muslim Organisations (FMO) said, “I know I speak for many in Leicestershire & Rutland when I say that Roger will be greatly missed. I wish him the very best for a happy, healthy, restful, prosperous and well deserved retirement.
“Although Roger is in many ways irreplaceable, it gives us great comfort that his replacement as Deputy Chief Constable will be Rob Nixon. Having known Rob for many years I know that he will do a great job in his new role.”
