CLASSIC film Grease was only just being released when Mandy Fleet joined West Midlands Police – and this one has proved a long-standing relationship as she celebrated 40 years with the force.
Mandy, from Solihull, was one of the first-ever police staff members and is still soaring as part of the team based at Birmingham Airport.
The business support officer – a keen charity fundraiser who helped raise £90,000 for worthy causes in just four years – has no job departure plans anytime soon.
The 62-year-old even managed to find romance near the runway after meeting husband-to-be Andy when he was a security worker at the airport. The couple now have a daughter aged 19.
Mandy initially started her career doing administration at CID – before the days of computers – where she used a typewriter to help in the preparation of statements and court cases.
She moved to the airport police unit in 1989 and her role has evolved from dealing with fixed penalty ticket appeals for those parking illegally to helping keep bobbies out on patrol by completing tasks behind the scenes.
Mandy has become well-known for her fundraising which has ranged from stretcher walks to organising a tuck shop with beneficiaries including Fisher House – which supports military patients and their families in Birmingham − and the Royal British Legion.
To mark her 40th anniversary Mandy was treated to gifts from her co-workers.
She said: “I’m very proud to be part of the force, and it is hard to believe it is 40 years since I started at Bournville Lane Police Station.
“I have spent most of my time with the airport unit and I still enjoy it after all these years.
“There have been some moments which stand out; I remember when I used to get the fixed penalty ticket appeals. The common excuse was they needed the toilet so it cost them £60 to spend a penny!
“And of course if it wasn’t for the airport I would never have met my husband either.
“I feel I am one of the luckiest people in the West Midlands, getting to work with people who are doing a wonderful job and delivering a fantastic service.”
