AWARD-winning Settle bobby Dave Burgess who transferred to Craven from the London Metropolitan Police, is looking forward to getting out on his motorbike having retired after 27 years serving the public.

PC340 Burgess joined the Met in 1997 and was stationed in Southwark, in inner-city London; he transferred to North Yorkshire Police in June, 2001, where his arrival in Ingleton was heralded by the Craven Herald at the time as: 'Cockney copper makes capital decision'.

Shortly after arriving in the Dales, Dave was transferred to Settle Police Station where for the last 23 years he has been one of the town's response officers.

In 2009, he received a Commanders Commendation for preventing a man from taking his own life by jumping off Malham Cove.

In 2018, he received a Chief Constables Commendation for courage after being involved in disarming and arresting a man who was threatening to kill him and his colleague with a knife and screwdriver.

In 2022, Dave and two of his colleagues attended a domestic incident in Cross Hills involving a man with a knife that was suffering a mental health episode.

Dave and his two colleagues were subjected to one of the worst assaults on officers in recent years. They managed, through sheer determination and professionalism, to restrain the man and get him the medical help he needed.

He received the North Yorkshire Police bravery award in 2023, and in the following year was nominated for the National Bravery award.

The nomination meant a visit to 10 Downing Street, London, for Dave and his wife, Michelle, where they met the then Home Secretary before going on to attend a gala presentation dinner.

It is very rare for a police officer to stay on the frontline for the whole of their career, but Dave enjoyed the role and even though he qualified more than 12 years ago to become a sergeant, he decided to stay in Settle and carry on his career as a response officer.

Sadly, the violent incident in 2022 caused a long term shoulder injury that put an end to his uniform career.

Dave, who retired on Tuesday (August 20) is now looking forward to travelling with his wife, Michelle, in their motorhome, and on their motorbikes.

He said: "I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the years, making my career one I will always cherish. I would also like to thank all North Yorkshire police officers and police staff the very best, especially those working in Craven."