A retiring police chief inspector is planning to stay on the right side of the law by setting up his own legal consultancy firm.

Hedley Kettlewell, of the Calderdale force, is leaving the police after 30 years' service but he intends to put his policing knowledge to good use by working from his Harden home, offering advice to the legal profession.

Mr Kettlewell, 51, started his career with the West Yorkshire Constab-ulary in Shipley in 1969 and has spent most of his time policing the streets of Bradford and Calderdale.

In 1985 he was the duty sergeant at the Bradford City fire and says that experience will never leave him.

"Those terrible scenes of the fire will stay with me for the rest of my life," he said. "Despite the awful tragedy, what will always stick out in my mind was the sheer courage displayed by many of my colleagues."

Mr Kettlewell, who was also head of the vice squad at the Manningham Division, became Inspector at the former Bradford Central Police division in 1985.

He was promoted to Chief Inspector in 1992 and worked in the prosecutions department before being appointed head of Support Services for the Bradford and Keighley areas, which he believes will be of value in his new venture.

A keen bowls player with Brighouse Sports Club, he is chairman of the National Police Crown Green Bowls League and also represents Yorkshire in the County Championship.

During his service he has received two Chief Constable's commendations and two Crown Court Judge commendations for his professionalism and investigative skills.

He said he was looking forward to his new venture but would be sad to leave West Yorkshire Police.

"I have always been very proud of being a police officer and not only will I miss policing, but I have worked with some excellent people at all levels."

Chief Superintendent Nigel Sutcliffe, Calderdale Divisional Commander, said: "He is the longest-serving senior manager in the area whose working knowledge and understanding of local policing problems has been invaluable in assisting his colleagues."

e-mail: kathryn.kittley

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