Two extraordinary officers from Essex Police who have collectively given more than six decades to the profession have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Chief constable Stephen Kavanagh and Jan Bloomfield, a former youth and anti-social behaviour sergeant, have both received a Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for their distinguished services to policing.
Along with other police officers from all ranks, they will receive medals at a ceremony later this year.
Mr Kavanagh started out at the Metropolitan Police Service and has since dedicated 33 years to policing.
After rising through the ranks in the Met in various roles, he joined Essex Police in May 2013 as the chief constable.
He said: “I am honoured and humbled to learn of this award. Policing is the ultimate team game and in 33 years of service I’ve been inspired and supported by every team with whom I’ve worked.”
Ms Bloomfield has given 30 years to policing.
She joined Essex Police in 1988 to fulfil her dream of becoming a police officer and dedicated the majority of her career to working with children and young people to help them achieve in life and to divert them away from offending.
Retiring from her sergeant position earlier this year, Ms Bloomfield and has taken on a staff role in the force as children and young people and anti-social behaviour manager.
She said: “The award means a lot to me and my family but for me, it highlights the areas of policing that I’m so passionate about and for that I’m really happy.
“I couldn’t ask for a better ending to my retirement as a police officer but I know it’s only been possible because of some of the wonderful colleagues and bosses I’ve worked with and a chief constable who’s really encouraged me to get out there and achieve things.”
Roger Hirst, police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex, said the QPMs were “great news” for the two recipients, for Essex Police and for the county.
“Stephen and Jan are well respected by partners, officers and staff,” he added. “They both thoroughly merit this honour and I am very pleased their outstanding contributions have been publicly recognised in this way.”
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