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West Midlands Police Federation

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ACC speaks up after MND diagnosis

9 July 2019

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Johnson has vowed to continue serving the Force for as long as possible despite being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

And he has also urged all employers to look past disability when recruiting.

The ACC achieved his ambition in April last year when he was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable with his home force, 28 years after starting out as a beat bobby on the streets of Birmingham.

But just six months later he was diagnosed with MND − a terminal illness affecting the brain, spinal cord and nerves that ultimately stops muscles functioning.

Despite the devastating news Mr Johnson (52) says he is determined to carry on making an important contribution to policing in the West Midlands and keeping the public safe.

He said: “In 28 years I’d only ever had two days off sick and that was following an assault on duty. I just never really got ill − I didn’t even get coughs and colds − so the diagnosis was, it’s fair to say, a bit of a surprise.

“You really never know when life can change. Disability is not just something that happens to other people − it can also affect you when you are least expecting it.

“With people working longer and retiring later it is an issue that will affect workplaces more and more. I am proud that West Midlands Police recognises this, for me and other staff with disabilities, and is committed to workplace inclusivity.”

Find out more about Motor Neurone Disease.

  • A more detailed feature on the ACC will be published in our next Federation magazine.

 

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