Meet PC Wooly - Britain’s longest serving front line officer as he retires from West Midlands Police

One of Britain’s oldest and longest-serving frontline police officers is retiring after 36 years pounding the beat.

PC Andrew Woollaston, 64, joined West Midlands Police in 1987 and has been recognised with a number of honours across a career spanning nearly four decades. PC Woollaston, know as Woolly, could be Britain’s oldest street cop having spent almost all of his service carrying out frontline duties with Force Response.

During his career he has faced numerous dangers, including single-handedly disarming and detaining a man threatening a woman with an axe in 2000. He received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his brave actions and was also named the force’s ‘Police Officer of the Year’ in 2020.

Woolly began following in the footsteps of his father, a decorated war veteran, by enlisting with the Coldstream Guards. He went on to join West Midlands Police in 1987, again following a similar path to his father who entered the British Transport Police after finishing his military service.

The force said since joining, Woolly had show a ‘selfless commitment to tackling crime and keeping others from harm’. Birmingham-born Woolly said: “It’s always nice to get recognition for your work but the greatest reward is knowing you’ve made a difference.

“It really is a privilege to be a police officer. Yes, it’s hard at times but it’s exciting and hugely satisfying too. When I look back and think about the situations that I’ve faced and the people that I’ve helped, I know it’s all been worthwhile.”

Woolly has also represented the force at more than 200 funerals, including of his friend and colleague Michael Swindells, who was stabbed to death on duty in 2004.

He has acted as the force standard bearer and a member of the Honour Guard at formal ceremonies, including Remembrance Day and Armistice Day parades.

Inspector Neil Robertson, from WMP Force Response, said: “Woolly has been an outstanding police officer, serving the community for over thirty years. Despite the challenges that the role sometimes presents, his enthusiasm for policing and commitment to helping people was as strong at the finish as it was when he joined all those years ago.

“He really has gone above and beyond, as exemplified by the ceremonial duties he performs. Woolly is well liked and respected by his colleagues – a mentor, role model and friend to his fellow officers – and while we’ll all miss him, we wish him a long and happy retirement. He’s definitely earned it.”

Woolly’s last day of service was last Thursday (February 16) – exactly 36 years to the day that he started at West Midlands Police. He says he is now looking forward to spending time with family and looking after his horse Roen at his home in North Warwickshire.