Celebrating our Unsung Heroes: National Volunteers Week 2025

As we mark National Volunteers Week from June 2nd to 8th 2025, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), Roger Hirst proudly celebrates the incredible contributions of our 54 dedicated volunteers, as well as the volunteers in Essex Police and Essex Fire and Rescue Service.

These volunteers play an essential role in enhancing public safety, supporting victims and ensuring transparency and accountability in policing.

PFCC volunteers cover three vital schemes:

• Essex Restorative Mediation Service (ERMS) volunteers work with victims and perpetrators to facilitate meaningful reparation and healing. Their outstanding contribution was recognised last November with the prestigious Lord Ferrers Award, a testament to their impact on those affected by crime, conflict or antisocial behaviour.
• Animal Welfare Volunteers ensure that Essex Police dogs receive the highest standard of care, providing independent assurance and promoting animal welfare best practices.
• Independent Custody Visiting Volunteers collaborate with the national Independent Custody Visiting Association and Essex Police to uphold the rights, dignity and welfare of individuals in police custody.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: “Our volunteers are the backbone of community trust and accountability. Their compassion, dedication and integrity make a real difference every day.

“Whether they are supporting victims through restorative justice, ensuring the welfare of our police dogs or safeguarding the rights of those in custody, their contribution is invaluable. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”

ERMS Manager Emma Goddard said: “We’re so proud of the work that we do and our volunteers who do it. They change lives everyday with their dedication and passion for getting people in Essex the outcomes they need to repair and resolve harm.

“Their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and the efforts they put in have helped our service grow year on year. On our 10^th Volunteer week as a service, we want to take an opportunity to say thank you”.

Kasia Grabka, ICV and Animal Welfare Manager also added her thanks: “As manager of the Essex Independent Custody Visiting and Animal Welfare Schemes, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our incredible volunteers.

“Your dedication, compassion and hard work are the foundation of everything we do—protecting the rights of those in custody and ensuring the welfare of animals in police care.”

As we mark National Volunteers Week, the PFCC extends his gratitude to all volunteers for their unwavering commitment to making Essex a safer place for everyone.