STUDYING nursing by day and stopping suspected drug dealers by night. Life is certainly varied for West Midlands Police Special Constable Iain Hulbert.

The 34-year-old has been a volunteer with the force for the last 13 years and plays an important role is assisting full-time cops.

Iain successfully juggles being a student at Birmingham University, working part-time as a first responder and being a single father to carry out his policing work in Dudley.

Every year he dedicates more than 500 hours and has been involved in a range of police work including neighbourhood patrols, gathering vital intelligence on the streets, and supporting major events and operations.

Eagle-eyed Iain has been right on the frontline helping to stop a car of suspected drug dealers and recover a large quantity of class A drugs plus a loaded firearm hidden under a seat.

He’s also helped save someone’s life after identifying they had sepsis when displaying symptoms which others could have confused as flu.

And the committed Special has found time to mentor Dudley’s Police Cadets. His dedication and commitment has seen him awarded WMP Special Constable of the Year.

Iain said: “I really enjoy being a special; I look forward to the days I can get into policing mode and work alongside regular officers on the Dudley Neighbourhood Taskforce.

“It is such a varied role, very fulfilling and I have really been made to feel part of the West Midlands Police family.

“Even with my other commitments this is not something I would want to give up; there is so much satisfaction in playing a part in helping our communities.”

The force receives invaluable support from all its specials who last year volunteered over 30,000 hours to support the service.

This includes helping neighbourhood teams, front line response teams, helping the most vulnerable victims in public protection, Force CID and operations.

West Midlands Police is due to increase its numbers ahead of the region hosting major events such as the Commonwealth Games in 2022.