Former drug addict apologises to Sheffield police officer in heartwarming Christmas card
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In the festive message, Richard who is now drug-free and employed, wrote to officer ‘Briggsy’ wishing him a ‘Merry Christmas’ but also to tell him he has turned his life around and apologised for making the officer’s life difficult.
The card read: “To Briggsy 2941, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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Hide Ad"Bet you never thought you would see the day I was drug free and working for a living.
"Sorry for all the hard work I have caused you in the past!!
"All the best from Richard”.
Officer Briggsy, who posted the letter on the Sheffield City Centre’s Neighbourhood Policing Team Facebook page shared how the message made him ‘well up’ especially from someone ‘who came to our attention more often than not’.
In the post, the policeman thanked Richard and admitted he was ‘very proud’ of what he has achieved since their previous run ins.
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Hide AdBriggsy explained that neighbourhood police are not ‘social workers, nor drug workers or housing officers’ but they recognise how important it is connect vulnerable people to services who can help.
He said: “Yesterday that person gave me a Christmas card which to be honest made me well up!
"As city centre police officer's we deal with numerous people who suffer with complex needs often through substance misuse and street homelessness.
"We are not social workers, nor drugs workers or housing officers yet we know how important it is to sign post the people we deal with to these services who play a vital role in our partnership working approach and without them we would struggle to help those in need.
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Hide Ad"We always say that with this cohort of society, any enforcement should be a last resort once all the above has been exhausted.
"To be invited into someone’s home and given a Christmas Card personally written to me was very touching and not only did I say thank you but also that I was proud of him for how he has turned his life around.
"Thanks again Richard and very proud of what you have achieved.”