WEST Midlands Police’s top ranking officer and two other officers have been named in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Chief Constable Dave Thompson has been knighted in recognition of his services to policing over a 30 year career spanning Greater Manchester Police and West Midlands Police.
The 51-year-old father-of-two – who joined the force in 2010 as Deputy Chief Constable before taking the top job six years later – said he was “genuinely humbled” to have been honoured.
He said: “This has been possible because of the support of my family, specifically my parents, my wife and our children. Like any police family Carole and my girls have made sacrifices for policing.
“It has also been possible because of policing and the people in it. I owe policing everything.
“A job where every constable can rise to be the Chief Constable. A service full of amazing diverse people who have taught me so much.
“Everyday officers and staff in this force put themselves at great peril for the public and I am humbled I get to work with you all. Thank you.
“The greatest honour of my life has been to be a police officer and then to be the Chief Constable of the West Midlands Police. Nothing can ever beat this but this is a lovely recognition for policing.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Pearson is to receive a Queen’s Police Medal and Mick Braycotton from the Traffic Investigations Unit will each collect a British Empire Medal.
Jennifer co-ordinated the regional response to Covid-19 deaths, including the temporary mortuary at Birmingham Airport and working with faith groups and the Coroner to ensure victims were treated with dignity in line with religious needs.
Mick Braycotton recently retired from West Midlands Police after a career spanning 45 years.
He joined the force as a 20-year-old beat officer in Handsworth before moving into the 999 call centre and latterly the motorway police control room.
Mick, now 65, retired as an officer after 30 years’ service but didn’t have his feet up for long. He returned a few weeks later as a police staff member working in the anti-corruption department before finishing his WMP service in the Traffic Prosecutions Unit.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: “I’m delighted for all of the officers at West Midlands Police who have been honoured for their achievements by the Queen. It is thoroughly deserved.”
