Longest-serving officer retires

Northamptonshire's longest-serving police officer has retired after more than 37 years' service.

Chief Inspector Don Merrifield, 54, joined the former Northampton Borough Force as a cadet in August 1965.

He became a regular in December 1967 after the borough amalgamated with the county force.

He has served almost exclusively in a uniform role, based mainly at Corby, Kettering and Rushden.

He headed the Force Training Department, which he headed for four years from 1993-1997.

He was promoted to chief inspector seven years ago.

Chief Inspector Merrifield and his wife Sue, who is head of a nursery school unit at Desborough, have four grown-up children and two grandchildren. They live at Higham Ferrers.

Looking back on his long career, Chief Inspector Merrifield says he has enjoyed his service immensely and had many good memories.