Wiltshire man who kept communities safe for 52 years set to retire
Mick Leighfield served as a Police Officer before joining the Bobby Van Trust
A Wiltshire man who's spent half a century protecting communities in the county is retiring at the end of this week.
68-year-old Mick Leighfield spent 34 years in the Police, before joining the Bobby Van Trust 18 years ago.
He's now hanging up his tool kit, after covering thousands of miles to help the elderly, disabled and vulnerable to boost their home security.
Mick joined Wiltshire Police as a cadet in 1973, where he eventually trained to become a firearms officer.
“It was at the time Ted Heath moved to the Cathedral Close in Salisbury,” he recalled. “My wife Alison and I had bought a house in Salisbury so I trained to be a firearms officer knowing that I would be sent to Salisbury.”
He joined the force’s tactical firearms unit but never had to fire a weapon in anger. “I came very close once but I’m glad I didn’t have to,” he said.
12 years later, he became one of the Force's first diversity officers, working with ethnic minority groups and LGBTQ+ communities.
Protection work continues despite police departure
When two Force divisions were merged in 2007, Mick chose to retire from active service, before joining the Bobby Van Trust as an operator.
“I applied and had the interview on the Tuesday and accepted it on the Wednesday, so within a week everything changed,” he said.
Mick said he took a great amount of satisfaction from helping scared and worried people feel safe in their homes, adding that it's what drove him to keep helping others.
“I like talking to people and I think you need patience, understanding and kindness in this job,” he said.
“The good thing about it is the feeling when you go home that you've helped somebody that day. Changing a lock for somebody is just a little thing really but the difference it can make to their lives is huge. You see that in them almost instantly as you do it.
“The difference between the frightened and anxious person you meet at the door to the one who lets you out at the end of the job can be tangible.”
Bobby Van Director Jennie Shaw said his contribution to the charity can't be overstated.
“Mick brought to the role not only decades of experience from his time with Wiltshire Police, but also the compassion, patience, and integrity that lie at the heart of everything we do,” she said. “His commitment to helping those most vulnerable in our community has been nothing short of inspiring.
“Mick’s work has made a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across Wiltshire and Swindon. From fitting locks to offering reassurance and a listening ear, he provided more than just practical support – he helped restore people’s sense of safety and dignity at times when they needed it most.
“It’s hard to overstate the impact Mick has had, not only on the individuals he’s helped, but on our entire team. He has been a valued colleague, a mentor to many and a shining example of what it means to serve with empathy and dedication.”
Mick says he's planning River Cruises with his wife, spending more time with his children and grandchildren, and playing bowls and Alderbury Bowls Club.