An officer who helped with the investigation following the Manchester Arena bombing has been awarded with the British Empire Medal (BEM).
Alison Suffield, a Lancashire Police constable, was seconded to Greater Manchester Police as an assistant investigator in the wake of the terrorist attack which claimed the lives of 22 people.
On the eve of Her Majesty’s Birthday, more than 1,000 people have been recognised with a distinguished honour. A number of police officers have been recognised but the Federation would like to see this extended to more rank and file officers in future.
Queen's Police Medal
Surrey Police Constable Simon Fahey, Sergeant David Clement from Northumbria Police, Avon and Somerset Detective Constable Christine Williams, PC Firzana Ahmed from West Yorkshire Police, DC Warren Barlow, Greater Manchester Police and Metropolitan Police DC Mark Davison are amongst officers who have been awarded the QPM (Queen’s Police Medal).
Metropolitan Police Inspector Gary Byfield will be honoured for his service to families of officers killed in the line of duty with the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire).
Sergeant Hayley Nortcliffe from West Yorkshire Police and Hampshire Constabulary PC Mark Ranola will also be recognised for their dedication to the service with a BEM.
Hampshire Constabulary Deputy Chief Constable Sara Glen, South Yorkshire Constabulary Chief Constable Stephen Watson and former Cambridgeshire Constabulary Chief Constable Alex Wood will also be receiving the QPM.
Former National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair Sara Thornton will be recognised with a damehood and Durham Constabulary Chief Constable Mike Barton, who retires today, will be given a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). Former Chair of the Superintendents’ Association, Gavin Thomas, will be also awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire.)
The Police Federation of England and Wales would like to see more of its members recognised for their dedication and commitment to duty.
John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “Being presented with an honour from Her Majesty the Queen is an extraordinary achievement and I congratulate all who have been awarded on this special day.
“Police heroism and sacrifices in the line of duty are at the forefront of our minds as a Federation and we are thrilled to see so many officers recognised in such a way; officers undertaking incredibly difficult roles, often putting their lives on the line for the benefit of others – a recognition they should rightly be proud of. We are proud of the commitment shown by officers throughout the country and we will continue our work nationally and locally with Federation representatives to engage with forces and chief officers to see more honours extended to this vital public service.”
Read the announcement and full birthday honours list, which includes other senior officers, chief officers, police staff and those associated with policing who also picked up honours.
