Published on | General
Never give up hope that the world can be a better place, keep focussed and surround yourself with positive souls. For no candle loses it’s light by lighting another candle. It can only get brighter.
Rani Gundhu
Visitors to our museum may recognise the face of Rani; welcoming guests with an infectious energy and being sure that they have their photo taken in “Rani’s photo booth” as part of their experience – but what they may not have realised is the cheery woman behind the desk is the longest serving police officer in the West Midlands Police force.
PC Rani Gundhu QPM who started work with WMP in the 1980s, picked up the Sislin Fay Allen Lifetime Achievement Award last week at the NBPA Conference held in Stansted.
Having served for nearly 40 years, Rani’s dedication to the force was recently recognised with a lifetime achievement award for her incredible work in driving diversity and supporting communities.
She was nominated by BAPA for the difference she has made, with nearly four decades of exemplary, relentless dedication to service pioneering community cohesion and integration.
Rani has extensive experience working in numerous roles and departments including vice, serious complex crime, major public events, CID, domestic violence, PR, Recruitment, Learning and Development, major incident rooms, Response and Neighbourhood, amongst others. She continues to move with the times and is now a positive action co-ordinator, supporting others on their policing journey.
“Rani joined the force at a time when inclusivity wasn’t a priority and individuals of colour and females faced unimaginable challenges – including Rani herself.
“However, despite having been able to retire many years ago, she thrives in delivering high standards in public service, genuinely caring about serving the community and the next generation of policing.
“Rani is always looking for innovative, different and pioneering ways to drive EDI and whatever task she is given, this is at the forefront of her intentions .
“She’s respected for her specialist knowledge in continuously bringing community partnerships together and proactively driving and embracing the hearts of our settled ,transitional and emerging communities making a lasting difference.
It’s difficult to summarise all that Rani does but she truly is an asset and one of the real unsung heroes of West Midlands Police. She is a fundamental pillar of the community and has given a true and unwavering lifetime of dedication and service to West Midlands Police.”
Sergeant Aaron Bell, BAPA vice-chair
For the past year Rani has been most often found right here at the West Midlands Police Museum – and to say we are grateful for her would be an understatement! Her stories of life in the force inspire visitors, staff and volunteers alike – sharing her experiences always with an air of encouragement that we each remember to “be kind to each other” as we move through our chapters in life.
Whats more, Rani cannot be held back (who would dare!) from getting involved in every event, community day, or activity taking place here. She regularly attends our historical talks, away days, and evening events (with the Murder Mysteries being a personal favourite of hers!), all the while promoting the work we do here at the museum.
For those that have had the pleasure of meeting Rani, they will know that she lives her life in photographs and captured memories – whether it is at Pride, award ceremonies, or out and about meeting the public – every moment is immortalised in a photograph to reminisce. It has therefore become part of the visitor experience here at the museum that Rani will gather guests in front of our holding cell mural and capture family photos, to be sure each person leaves the Lock-Up with a memory to look back on fondly.
We couldn’t be prouder to have Rani be part of the team here at the museum, and are delighted by her recognition she so truly deserves.
