A TRIO of police officers are back on home soil after representing West Midlands Police in America.
PCs Paul Davis, Rhys Hogben and Raj Kanth made the 3,500-mile journey across the Atlantic to join officers from across the globe as part of National Police Week, which sees law enforcement agencies joing forces in Washington DC honour police officers who have died in duty.
They also provided a guard of honour for Joe Biden, the President of the United States.
As well as providing a ceremonial guard for the President at one public ceremony, officers were also given the responsibility of greeting grieving families flying in from across USA at the airport.
West Midlands Police Honour Guard (WMPHG) celebrates its eighth year this July, representing the force on a local and international stage.
Without National Police Week our honour guard may not exist.
It was created after officers attended the event nine years ago and highlighted the need for a passionate and professional group to represent the force at ceremonial events.
Since its creation members have attended the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth, The King’s Coronation and Remembrance Days in London.
The team attends award ceremonies, passing out parades, civic events and is honoured to be responsible for organising all funerals for officers and police staff and attending retired officers’ funerals.
Sergeant Ben Westwood, head of WMP Honour Guard said: “I am really happy that some of the team got to experience Police Week.
“Paying respect to fallen colleagues is very important to us, whether that’s home or abroad.
“We take immense pride in being able to help families give their loved one the honour and respect they deserve.”
Over the last year they were deployed to over 60 events with much of their work, including the latest trip to the USA, done so on a voluntary basis in their own time.
