A new Police Constable has revealed she joined the police service to be an 'inspiration' to her younger sister following the death of their mother. PC Chelsea Magill became her sibling’s legal guardian in 2020 after their mother died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
She said her mother was diagnosed with the condition following years of addiction. Having experienced a challenging upbringing, Chelsea decided to apply to become a police officer as she wants to help others and create a better life for herself and her sister.
“When I became my sister’s legal guardian, I wanted to be an inspiration to her and show her it is possible to pursue your dreams,” she said. "I want to be someone my sister can look up to. I want to show her nothing is impossible, no matter how hard it might be initially.”
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Chelsea was among 18 new recruits who passed out as police officers on Friday, February 3 at Nottinghamshire Police’s headquarters following an 18-week training course. The former teaching assistant – who is joining the Kirkby-in-Ashfield neighbourhood policing team – said helping others was the aspect of policing she was most looking forward to.
She said: “My mum struggled with addition. When she passed away, I wanted to join the police to make a difference. I feel I have more of an understanding now of addiction and 100% that will help me in my role as a police officer.
"I understand that not everyone’s situation is the same and that it’s important people are referred to the right services for them, so they get the help they need. My mum always said how proud she was of me, and I know that pursuing this career would have made her really happy.”
Nottinghamshire Police trainer Lisa Cook said: “Chelsea has been an integral part of her cohort and has brought a real insight into the reality of life and the impact of it on families. She has demonstrated that, what could be seen as barriers to applying to the police service, can be overcome."
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