SPECIAL constable Sheila De Freitas has been posted to Rochford district after receiving her warrant card on Monday.

She was one of seven other special constables to receive their warrant cards with other volunteers being based across the county.

Sheila, 45, formerly worked for a flight crew at Southend Airport as cabin manager and worked in the same industry while growing up in Brazil.

The mother-of-one grew up in Sao Paulo and then moved to Dublin where she lived for 15 years before arriving in Essex three years ago.

The keen runner said: “I feel so happy to have received my warrant card after all the hard work and training.

“I feel like I’ve really achieved something and I can’t wait to make a difference in the community.

“I’ve always admired the police and here I am, a fully-fledged special constable.”

Essex Police took the time thank all its special constables that volunteer their time to give back to the community, making a difference through helping people, keeping people safe and catching criminals. 

If you would like to learn new skills, gain more confidence and make a positive change to your community, apply to become a special constable and join the growing team: www.essex.police.uk/specials