Police brand cars with poppies

It's the first time the force has done it

To show their support for the Royal British Legion, the force has given 2 patrol cars a paint job. 

The specially branded cars will be attending a number of pre-planned events - including Remembrance Sunday at Exeter Cathedral. Then from Monday 12th November the vehicles will be back out on patrol - with the Poppy design in place for 3 weeks.

Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable, Shaun Sawyer, said: “The two poppy cars this year are part of our Remembrance Service where we continue to support our armed forces in a public way, particularly as we mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.  

“Around 360 police officers from the two counties served in the armed forces during the war with 34 losing their lives.  This year we have invited members of their families to join our service at HQ to learn about their stories and remember their sacrifice.

“We hope that the car will remind people of the sacrifices that were made and encourage people to go out and buy a poppy ahead of this year’s Remembrance Day and actively engage with the Royal British Legion’s campaign.”

Susanne Archard, Area Manager for The Royal British Legion for Devon and Cornwall, said: “This is the first year that Devon and Cornwall Police have proudly supported the Legion in this way and we’re delighted to be working with them in this very special centenary year.

“This Poppy Appeal, as we mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, the Legion is calling on the nation to say Thank You to the entire First World War generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world. 

“This is a creative way to raise the profile of the Poppy Appeal and we hope that the car will encourage the public to support the appeal and to take a moment to reflect on the contribution of not only the British armed forces during the First World War but those who fought alongside them from today’s Commonwealth and the countless men, women and children who played their part of the home front.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez said: “It’s great to have two poppy cars this year, it’s a really visible way to commemorate the service and sacrifice made by all members of the British Armed Forces and particularly officers from Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on the 100th anniversary of end of the First World War.”