By David Clegg

A DUNDEE police officer has returned home safely from nine months in Afghanistan—with a commendation from a top US general.

Douglas Fisher, a lieutenant in the Territorial Army, has just got back from Kabul where he was serving as Platoon Commander for a squad of 34 men.

After months of nerve-wracking foot patrols—and winning the admiration of a four star US general—Douglas finally came back to the city on Saturday.

Speaking to The Courier from his home last night, the 35-year-old told of his delight to be back with wife Sandra and 15-month-old son Stuart.

He said, “It is a great relief to be back in Dundee. I hadn’t seen my son for the whole time I was away so he was just in a walker when I left and now he is up on his feet and getting his teeth. Getting back home was a very emotional moment.”

Douglas is Platoon Commander of the 6 Scots Bremen Platoon, the first fully formed TA unit from 52nd Lowland to deploy on operations since the second world war.

They were in Kabul to provide “force protection” to the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) headquarters in Kabul.

This involved foot and mobile patrols and providing help to the Afghan National Army and Kabul City Police Force, as well as carrying out base security.

As platoon commander Douglas had 34 men under his command.

He added, “The threat level in Kabul was quite significant—I certainly wouldn’t describe it as a picnic park. But I cannot fault the guys—the way they conducted themselves was just fantastic.”

Despite the dangers of Kabul, Douglas believes he was able to use some of the skills learnt while working as a bobby on the beat in Dundee in leading the men.

He first came to public attention in 2006 when awarded £15,000 by an employment tribunal which ruled he had been unfairly overlooked for promotion by Tayside Police after raising concerns over the safety of lone patrols.

“I have been in the police force for 12 years now and have worked in Dundee quite extensively,” he said.

“Because I have been a police officer for such a long time a lot of the skills I have developed I could use.

“Obviously going out on patrol in Kabul and going out in Dundee are very different challenges but in terms of a peace keeping force my experience gave me advantages some of the younger troops didn’t have.”

The professionalism and diligence of Lt Fisher and his platoon was recently recognised when they received a unit commendation presented personally by Dan McNeill, a four star US general.

Gen McNeill is the highest ranking officer in Afghanistan, with responsibility for commanding over 40,000 combat troops.

The commendation read, “From the period between August 10, 2007 until February 20, 2008 inclusive, the 34 officers and men of The Royal Regiment of Scotland have worked diligently, tirelessly and conscientiously in order to provide a stable, safe and secure environment on behalf of the military and civilian community they have had the honour and privilege to serve.

“Their dedication, selfless commitment, personal sacrifices, patience and enduring stability throughout a difficult, challenging and testing operational environment has been inspirational and exemplifies all that NATO engenders.

“Their dedication goes above and beyond what would normally be expected and accordingly merits higher recognition.”

Douglas is planning to return to his job with Tayside Police in April.