CHIEF Superintendent Paul Howlett will be a hard act to follow after retiring from the force he has dedicated 30 years of service to.

Paul, who lives in Devizes, started his career at Warminster in 1981 and spent many years in CID, which he rose to head.

He served as acting assistant chief constable and for the past three years has been commander of the Swindon police division.

Yesterday he said farewell to the colleagues and friends he has made along the way.

“I’ve been fortunate in that I have been able to have a fantastic career and work with some really great people, and the last three years in Swindon have been a great experience,” he said.

“I believe the police here in Swindon have something to be proud of in terms of the service they give to the public.

”People look upon Swindon police in a very positive way – that is a precious gift we should never take for granted.”

Some of the major investigations for which Paul was the senior officer include the murder of Amanda Edwards, 21, from Purton, and the murders of Roy and Joan Clarke, of Melksham, by their son, Michael.

“We had some major investigations which were extremely challenging,” he said.

“But I have been blessed in that I’ve worked with some exceptionally talented people and through their hard efforts, we have achieved successful outcomes.”

He is now looking forward to a sailing trip across the Channel and a family holiday in Africa.

“The thing I will miss the most will be the people and the engagement with the public. I’m going to take some time out now and gather my thoughts and I’ve got a few holidays booked,” he said.

Coun Brian Ford, who is a member of the Wiltshire Police Authority praised Paul for his work in improving Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the Community Safety Partnership.

He said: “He has done so much for Swindon and as far as I’m concerned, he is the top policeman in the town.”