Southend Priory Park defibrillator plaque honours volunteer police

Special Constables Paula Butteriss and Carrie Croud took part in a fundraising event last year to raise money to install a defibrillator at the park.

The Southend volunteer officers walked 13 miles to support the Finish Line Fund, set up to provide support to families who have been affected by serious injury or death while participating in sporting activities in the East Essex area. They were accompanied by their families and fellow Essex Police specials, raising £1,021 along the way.

The volunteer officers were present at a special ceremony marking the installation of the defibrillator at the park.

The special plaque (Image: Essex Police)

SC Paula Butteriss, who is a keen runner and charity supporter, said: “I’ve been supporting this amazing local community charity for several years now. I came to it via The Flyers Southend, who I run with. I’m very proud of what we have achieved together. This is the result of people who really care, coming and working together, to keep people safer.

“This shows that fundraising is vital for the Finish Line Fund for them to continue their work.

“Of course, no one wants to think that they might need a defibrillator when they are participating in sports that they love, or out enjoying this beautiful historic park, but should it be needed, it’s there now.”

SC Carrie Croud, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who helped us reach this important milestone and contributed to the fund-raising. I’m really pleased to show that when we all pull together, we can make such a difference, benefitting our community or other families. It could be used to save a life one day.”

Present at the unveiling ceremony, Special Inspector Samantha Wright, added: “I’m proud of all the team who supported Carrie and Paula, it shows what a great team of Specials we have. But Carrie and Paula rightly deserve praise for their dedication to their community and for the support they’ve given to the charity.”