A retiring police officer has handed the baton to his two sons after more than 25 years at Derbyshire Constabulary.
Sergeant Martin Bargh, who is 55, joined the force in 1994 on the beat in Matlock. Since then his varied police career has included everything from investigating murders to being a tactical advisor on some of the region’s biggest football clashes.
Now his two sons, Jordan, 31 and Taylor Bargh, 25, will continue his legacy as custody detention officers.
Sgt Bargh has spent the last five years working in custody at Ripley, and the last six months of his career on the same shift as Jordan. Taylor is due to join the shift soon.
Sgt Bargh has fond memories of his time in the force. “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it – I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t”, he said.
Working with a close family member has been a real positive in a high-pressure environment, as Sgt Bargh explains: “It’s been good working with Jordan, because I trust him,” he says. “I know he won’t let me down, and vice versa. We’re good mates, but he knows I’m the sergeant and I’m in charge.
“The good thing is I understand what the job is and what the pressure is – it helps them to be able to vent to someone who understands. People just don’t know what it’s like unless they’re in the job.”
Jordan agrees and hasn’t had any problems separating his work and home life: “It’s just like working with anyone else, I don’t think that it’s weird – we just go into a different mode at work.”
It was looking up to his dad as a role model which drew Jordan to a role in the police in the first place. He said, “I always wanted to be a police officer because of the stories Dad would come home with – like driving fast cars! It always seemed like he had such a great bond with his colleagues.”
Both sons are sceptical about their dad’s plans for a quiet retirement, though. Jordan said: “Dad will never put his feet up – it’s just how he is!” According to Taylor, it’s even become a family joke. “We always joked dad would never retire!”
Custody Manager Inspector Wayne Gray, said: “Everyone at Derbyshire Constabulary thanks Sgt Bargh for his fantastic contribution to the force over the last 28 years.
“It’s been a pleasure to have him in custody during the latter part of his career, but I know that many other parts of the force have also benefited from his dedication and expertise throughout his time here.
“It’s a credit to him that his two sons have followed in his footsteps, and I look forward to continuing to work with them. I hope to hear from them that he is enjoying his very well-deserved retirement.”
