Met Police Heroes Scoop Top Honours in New Year Awards
The Met Police force is celebrating big as a host of officers and volunteers grab prestigious honours in the 2024 New Year Honours list. From counter terrorism experts to community heroes, their tireless efforts have been recognised with OBEs, MBEs, King’s Police Medals (KPM), and more.
Top Cop Honoured for Global Counter Terror Work
Detective Inspector Jonathan Mearns snagged an OBE for his groundbreaking work in international counter terrorism policing. DI Mearns has been pivotal in linking with global agencies after major foreign incidents, delivering human rights-compliant training, and combating terrorist financing.
“To receive an OBE is an incredible recognition of what I and others do on a day to day basis,” said DI Mearns.
MBEs and KPMs for Trailblazers Fighting Crime and Fraud
- Phillip Collins, a retired DI, won an MBE for cracking down on corruption and training undercover officers. He also represented the Met at the Undercover Public Inquiry. “Completely unexpected – policing has been so rewarding,” said Collins.
- Suzanne Grimmer, a retired DI and cyber fraud specialist, took home an MBE for protecting thousands from scams, including lockdown social media projects accessed by hundreds of thousands.
- Detective Superintendent Simon Moring earned an MBE for championing mental health support within the force, founding the Mental Health Network and rolling out ‘blue light champions’ across the Met.
- Detective Sergeant Paul Griffiths bagged a KPM for his expert witness interviewing in terror cases, including work with the UK War Crimes team. “This reflects the great support from family and colleagues,” he said.
- Detective Inspectors Nikki Owen and Helene Miller received KPMs for leading complex crime probes and modern slavery investigations, boosting victim support dramatically.
- Retired officers James Morrison and Claire Moxon were also honoured with KPMs for election fraud and vital counter terrorism work.
Community Champions and Royal Protectors Recognised
- PC Richard Fox earned a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his dual role in counter terrorism and leading the Metropolitan Police Choir to musical acclaim and charity fundraising success.
- Nicola Baboneau, a community volunteer in Hackney, was awarded a BEM for bringing faith and youth groups together and boosting trust between police and public.
- Barbara Gray QPM and Commander Adesola Adelekan received royal honours (LVO and MVO) for their key roles in Royalty Protection, including managing security at the Platinum Jubilee.
- Retired Inspector Simon Hammett and Sergeant Fiona Wilson also picked up MVOs for their Royal Protection services.
Met Commissioner Pays Tribute
Sir Mark Rowley, Met Commissioner, praised all recipients: “These exceptional officers and volunteers exemplify policing at its best. Their dedication is a credit to the communities of london/" title="London">London and beyond. I am proud of their service and grateful for their outstanding achievements.”
