London’s Finest Shine in Queen’s Birthday Honours
Metropolitan Police heroes have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, scooping top awards for their outstanding service to London and its communities.
Top Police Stars Take Home Prestigious Medals
- Paula Cooper – Awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her work nurturing over 3,700 police cadets across London, promoting diversity and empowering young people.
- Susan Hill – Specialist Operations Training Unit Manager, honoured with the British Empire Medal (BEM).
- Varsha Mistry – Manager of Forensic Practitioners, earned the British Empire Medal (BEM) thanks to decades of efforts on inclusion, diversity, and community engagement.
- Tim Gray – Former Detective Superintendent awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for revolutionising covert policing standards.
- Constable James McAllister – Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) recipient, recognised for his role in public order policing and protest management.
- Michael Wallace – Awarded QPM for pioneering youth engagement work including the national KickOff@3 football programme.
- Vicky Washington – Former Detective Superintendent and QPM winner, a lifelong advocate against violence towards women and girls.
- Detective Sergeant Marc O’Shea – Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) for his pivotal role in protecting the Royal Household at Windsor Castle.
Police Boss Hails Their Dedication
Sir Stephen House, Acting Commissioner of the Met, praised the recipients.
“I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has recognised so many Metropolitan police officers and police staff in the Birthday Honours. They should be very proud of their dedicated service, wonderful accomplishments, and positive impact on keeping London and its communities safe in so many different ways.
Heroes Making a Real Difference
Paula Cooper has transformed the Volunteer Police Cadets programme, boosting diversity with 43% from under-represented backgrounds and nearly half female. She said:
“I am truly honoured to receive this award. Cadets is a fantastic programme that allows young people to gain an insight and understanding of policing while also gaining valuable life experience.”
Varsha Mistry blazed trails as the first Indian woman MPS fingerprint expert, driving diversity and community bonds. She remarked:
“I’m incredibly humbled by this unexpected recognition. It’s been rewarding to use Hindu Dharma’s values to serve the Met Police and our communities while bringing them closer together.
Tim Gray modernised undercover policing nationwide, raising standards and training. He said:
“I’m overjoyed and honoured to receive the Queen’s Police Medal. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had such an interesting and rewarding police career.”
PC James McAllister revolutionised public order tactics, introducing Police Liaison Teams now used nationally. He commented:
“I am humbled and extremely honoured. This highlights the critical work many do behind the scenes to keep London safe and protect people’s rights.”
Michael Wallace co-founded KickOff@3, changing the youth engagement game through sport and culture. He said:
“I am truly humbled to be recognised. It gives me great pride as a serving officer and community volunteer.”
Vicky Washington fought tirelessly for women’s safety and led landmark initiatives against Female Genital Mutilation. She shared:
“I’m delighted and honoured to receive the QPM during Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year. I will continue to support my colleagues in their tough work.”
Detective Sergeant Marc O’Shea has protected the Royal Family for over 15 years, managing security at Windsor Castle’s biggest events. He reflected:
“It has been a real privilege to work with the Royal Household. I am proud to be recognised in Her Majesty’s birthday honours.”
These officers’ dedication and innovation keep London safer every day. Their awards are well deserved.
