David Jamieson and Yvonne Mosquito pay tribute to the West Midlands first Police and Crime Commissioner, Bob Jones, a year on from his tragic and untimely death.
Bob was the first Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, elected on November 15 2012 and served in the role until his untimely death on July 1 2014.
Bob was a dedicated public servant and inspired all those around him.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said,
“Bob was a brilliant public servant and is sorely missed. He was a man of the people who inspired warmth and affection in all he met.
“His death was a huge loss to the police family. Bob Jones was respected across the political spectrum for his service and huge contribution to policing.”
Deputy West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Yvonne Mosquito said,
“Bob was a dear friend and an excellent public servant. His commitment to policing and helping those in need was remarkable.
“He wasn’t just a friend but a mentor as well. One of things that made Bob one of a kind was how generous he was with his time. No task was too large, complex or difficult. He was a man of great principles, but crucially a great listener too. He never lost touch with the people he sought to serve.”
Bob Jones CBE:
Bob Jones was elected the first West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner on 15 November 2012.
He was born and bred in Wolverhampton and he never lived more than a mile from where he was born, except when studying for his degree in Nottingham (BA (Hons) Public Administration).
Bob served as a Labour Councillor from 1980 to 2013 for Blakenhall in Wolverhampton. He was a Cabinet member for Leisure and Community Safety at Wolverhampton City Council and served on various scrutiny boards. He held responsibilities as Chair of Education, Finance, and Youth Committees plus many others as Wolverhampton City Councillor, including chairing Wolverhampton Community Safety Partnership.
He was previously a member of West Midlands Police Authority from 1986 to 2012, and chaired the Authority from 1995-2000. Bob served as a member of the Association of Police Authorities (APA) where he was Deputy Chairman from 2004-2005 and Chairman from 2005-2009. He was also a member of the National Policing Board, National Criminal Justice Board and Senior Appointment Panel. He was also a member of the service authorities for the National Crime Squad (NCS) and National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS), and chaired the disciplinary committee for both authorities. He was also a member of the College of Policing board and Chair of the Employer Side of the Police Staff Council.
Bob served as a non-executive director of the Black Country Cluster PCT Boards and chaired various other local community organisations and trusts.
In 2010 Bob was awarded the CBE for “services to policing”.
In his spare time he was also a passionate supporter of the Campaign for Real Ale.
Bob Jones passed away on 1 July 2014.
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