A THIRD generation of a family has joined the police.
James Alderson, aged 19, is following in the family footsteps by joining the force.
He has just started patrolling the streets around Toller Lane in Bradford.
His father, 43-year-old Sgt Garry Alderson, heads the traffic unit in Calderdale while 66-year-old grandfather Bob is a former policeman.
He retired in 1986, after 22 years with the force in Calderdale.
Sgt Alderson and his wife, Kay, are proud of their son's decision to keep the family tradition going.
"It's great it is being continued," he said. "I have had a lot of satisfaction out of the job.
"It is a worthwhile occupation, which I have gained from enormously. I hope the same goes for James."
James, who joined the force last September, said: "Ever since I was young I have been interested in the police service.
"It is something I have always wanted to do.
"With this job no two days are the same. You never know what is round the corner or what to expect. That's what I like about it."
Things have changed since Bob began on the beat in the 1960s.
He said: "The only point of contact I had with HQ then was via a telephone on a blue pillar which had a blue flashing light on it.
"The pillars were in town centres and around the outskirts.
"I got my first radio in 1966. It worked via a handset and a receiver, so I had two extra items to carry around with me.
"Things have moved on a bit since then.
"I'm glad my son and grandson have continued with the family tradition and followed in my footsteps.
Garry joined the force in 1983, two years before his father retired. He and Kay have two other children, 17-year-old Luke and Hannah, 13.
