Two men who have dedicated their spare time to volunteering for Northumbria Police have been recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Special Constables Michael Scott, 61, and Jon Gray, 64, have been handed Order of the British Empire (BEM) medals in recognition of their service to policing. Michael is a self-employed farmer who has volunteered for the force for nearly four decades and Jon is a former police constable who returned as a volunteer two days after he retired 14 years ago.
The volunteers, who both patrol areas of Northumberland, said they have been "blown away" by the recognition after being notified of their British Empire Medals.
Read more: Body found in search for missing Gateshead dad Kyle Bird
Michael joined the force in 1983 and has served the communities of Tynedale and Redesdale as a selfless volunteer for nearly 40 years. His day job involves working in agriculture, looking after livestock, farming his sheep, shearing and other aspects of farming life. However his desire to give back to the local area means he has given up hundreds of hours each year to support the force.
Michael said: "Words can’t describe how honoured I am to be recognised in this way. It’s even more special given that it’s our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – I’m absolutely delighted. When I first joined Northumbria Police as a volunteer, I wanted to do something else other than my every day work to contribute a little bit of my time helping others and to try to make a difference. After all these years I would like to think I have.
"I am so lucky to be patrolling in such a beautiful part of Northumberland, I can’t think of a better place to work. I work alongside our new rural crime volunteers who are making a difference in the countryside, and all the other emergency services who do a fantastic job. My police colleagues who I have stood shoulder to shoulder with over the years, sometimes in some very sad and tricky situations, I admire and respect every single one of them for the job they do keeping us safe every day. It is a privilege to work alongside them."
Jon, who often worked up to 20 hours every week in his role as Special Constable, has compared his career to the film Forest Gump.
He said: "Having been posted in Ponteland since 1990 I do this duty out of a sense of loyalty to the service and the area. I’m pleased to continue to serve the community of Ponteland, which I know well. I still assist full-time officers and I’d like to think I help new recruits.
"This recognition is humbling and I was very surprised to get the call. I often think my career has been similar to the film Forrest Gump, I never had anything planned but I’ve been fortunate to work in a number of roles and have landed on my feet. I feel fortunate to have had the experiences through policing that I’ve had."
Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenen QPM praised both Specials for their “unwavering” commitment to serving the public. He said: "I congratulate both Michael and Jon on being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. This thoroughly deserved honour is a true recognition of the unwavering commitment they have demonstrated, over many years, to their communities.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank them both, as well as extending those thanks to all of our volunteers; all of whom give so freely of their time to the benefit of their communities and in doing so help ensure the North East continues to be such a safe place to live, work and visit."
Recruitment is now open for both paid officers and volunteer Special Constables to join Northumbria Police.
Chief Constable Keenen added: "I strongly encourage anyone who feels passionate about their community, policing and public service to apply. If successful, you will be joining a dedicated team who are determined to provide the very best service possible to the region we are so privileged to be a part of here in the North East."
Anyone who is interested can visit the force's careers website for more information.
Read more:
