Sent on behalf of John O'Reilly - Retiring Chairman of the Lancashire Police Federation

At this time of year there is an awful lot going on in our lives and for me it is also a time to retire after thirty years service with this Constabulary.

It has been an honour and a privilege to have represented you all at the highest level within the Federation. I hand the reigns over to Rachel Baines the current Vice Chair, who I have known for all of her service, and feel more than confident she will continue to represent you in the manner and way you would expect.

Also joining the team in the New Year is Steve Rothwell from Pennine Division who will take up the post vacated by Rachel as Vice Chair. I ask that you continue to offer your support to these officers, the other full timers and members of staff at the office. You have many challenges ahead in 2012, not least the changes to your shifts, your rotas, pay and conditions and in the longer term your pensions.

I know that the Federation, both locally and nationally, are working with the Constabulary to represent you, to achieve the best outcome in all of these areas.

I joined in the time of the Life on Mars, I leave at a time that the government are definitely on a different planet. It is an old cliché but the only consistent thing about policing at the moment is change. The changes the government make to your pay and conditions and your pensions they do at the risk of breaking the service.

Always remember that you, the Federated ranks, are the backbone of the Constabulary and are responsible for placing this Constabulary, through the organisations leadership, as one of the top performing forces in the country.

I wish you and your families a safe and happy future.