A Letchworth mum-of-two will reach a significant milestone next Saturday having completed 25 years as a North Herts special constable.

Raj McGlynn – who joined the team as an 18-year-old in 1988 – has spent her entire service stationed at Hitchin Police Station, as well as regularly supporting her colleagues in Letchworth, Baldock and Royston.

Special constables – who are not paid but receive expenses for volunteering – have full police powers, uniform and protective equipment and work alongside the regular force.

Raj, who lives in Letchworth with husband Julian and sons, 14-year-old Joshua and 10-year-old Ethan, in her day job works full time as a key account manager for Alliance Healthcare.

As a young Asian girl, Raj wanted to do something different with her life and enhance relationships between the police and the Asian community.

She said: “It is so important that our police force represents the community, and through being able to speak fluent Punjabi, I have gained the trust and respect of the local Asian community.”

Raj’s duties have included being part of the policing team in 2012 when the Olympic torch travelled through Letchworth, as well as being on duty the day the Queen visited Hitchin in 2012.

However, volunteering as a police officer has also seen many challenging incidents.

Only recently Raj found herself giving CPR to an elderly man who had collapsed in the street following a heart attack. She administered CPR until the paramedics arrived, but the man passed away.

Raj continued: “There have been some very difficult times over the years such as the sad incident with the man who passed away as a result of a heart attack.

“But I am pleased I was there to try to help him and many other people over the years from varying backgrounds and with differing needs.

“I thoroughly enjoy policing in Hitchin and would encourage others from minority ethnic backgrounds to do the same.

“Being a Special Constable has given me an amazing insight into life which I wouldn’t have experienced as a civilian and I am delighted and very proud to have reached this milestone of 25 years.”

Chief inspector Carl Foster, who leads Hertfordshire Constabulary’s recruitment of special constables, said: “I am very impressed by Raj’s original motivation for joining as well as her commitment and dedication to a long distinguished career.

“We are keen to welcome people from all backgrounds to the special constabulary to ensure our police force fully reflects the communities we serve.”