AIMING to enjoy a new life on the other side of the English Channel is Derek Hollick, team leader of the Herts Police firearms unit. After 30 years service, this is his final month with the county force. He is retiring and bidding farewell and bon voyage

AIMING to enjoy a new life on the other side of the English Channel is Derek Hollick, team leader of the Herts Police firearms unit.

After 30 years service, this is his final month with the county force.

He is retiring and bidding farewell and bon voyage to his colleagues.

Insp Hollick and his wife Annette, who currently live in Ickleford, will soon settle in the Sarthe Department, Northern Loire Valley, where they have bought a house.

Their first priorities will be to renovate the property and get to grips with the French language.

Insp Hollick, 48, has led the firearms team for seven years and overseen a number of significant developments in training and tactics, along with the recent introduction of less lethal options such as Taser and the baton launcher.

He has also been awarded two chief constable's commendations for his actions at firearms incidents.

The Hollick connection with Herts Constabulary spans more than 50 years.

Derek's father, also called Derek, served in the force from the 1950s. Derek's son, Matt, is on the firearms team and Derek's brother Andy is in the intelligence unit at Stevenage.

Insp Hollick said: "It's been a privilege to work with such a professional team of officers who have a real 'can do' attitude to the specialist role they carry out.

"Through their commitment and cooperation, we've reached a stage where we're held in high esteem nationally and regionally.

"The past seven years have been the most enjoyable of my career and those in which I take the most personal pride."

His successor as team leader is Insp Richard Liversidge.