A ‘proud’ police officer who spontaneously provided a guard of honour for Joe Biden, the President of the United States, has told how privileged he feels to have experienced ‘such an honour’.

During their time in America, the trio were asked to provide a ceremonial guard for the President at a public ceremony organised to remember police colleagues who have died.

Paul, along with PCs and fellow Federation members, Rhys Hodben and Raj Kanth, joined thousands of others - including officers from across the globe - to honour fallen officers who have died in the line of duty.

He added: “We stood across from the coaches that the families of fallen officers were travelling on, and saluted them. We then greeted the families, and escorted the women - arm-in-arm - to their seats.”

As well as providing a guard of honour for the President, their trip started at Washington’s Ronald Reagan Airport, where they were given the responsibility of greeting grieving families flying in from across America.

“We lined the route for families as they arrived at the airport and assisted them with their baggage,” Paul explained.

“It was very emotional. These were complete strangers, who really appreciated us being there. It was amazing for the police to have such a huge presence.”

The following evening, a large night vigil took place at the Capitol, in Washington, which involved thousands of families paying their respects to fallen relatives.

Paul added: “Thousands of candles were lit in memory of fallen officers, while music was playing. It was incredible.

“And loads of people were coming up to us, including many children, wanting to speak to us or take our photo.”

“If I can do it again, I will - without a doubt,” he said, adding: “We were made to feel so welcome, and you can’t help but get swept up in the events that took place. It was a fantastic week.”

Father-of-two Paul, who has been part of the Force’s honour guard for around eight months, says it is his way of ‘giving something back’ and ‘honouring fallen colleagues’.