Met Police Heroes Scoop Top Honours in Queen’s Birthday List
Several Metropolitan Police officers and staff have been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding service to London and the community. From frontline policing to community engagement, these heroes have gone above and beyond to keep the capital safe.
Medals for Bravery, Service, and Diversity Champions
- Paula Cooper, police officer and champion of over 3,700 volunteer police cadets, received the British Empire Medal (BEM).
- Susan Hill, Manager of the Specialist Operations Training Unit, awarded the BEM.
- Varsha Mistry, Manager of Forensic Practitioners and diversity pioneer, honoured with the BEM.
- Tim Gray, former Detective Superintendent and covert operations guru, awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM).
- Constable James McAllister, public order specialist, received the QPM.
- Michael Wallace, youth engagement ace from south London, honoured with the QPM.
- Vicky Washington, former Detective Superintendent and domestic abuse campaigner, awarded the QPM.
- Detective Sergeant Marc O’Shea, long-time Royal protection expert, appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO).
Spotlight on Met Stars
Paula Cooper has dedicated herself since 2015 to growing the volunteer police cadets programme in London. She has boosted diversity with nearly half the cadets being female and 43% from under-represented communities. “I’m truly honoured,” she said. “Cadets give young people an amazing chance to get a taste of policing while gaining life skills.”
Varsha Mistry has pushed for inclusion since joining the Met in 1983, becoming its first Indian woman fingerprint expert. She’s led hundreds of events to strengthen community ties, saying, “It’s humbling to use Hindu values to bring police and communities closer.”
Tim Gray transformed covert policing standards nationally, creating the foundation training for undercover officers used across the UK. “I’m overjoyed and honoured to receive the QPM,” he said, praising his teams for their dedication.
PC James McAllister is a highly respected figure in public order policing, instrumental in developing Police Liaison Teams now used nationwide. “This award recognises the hard work of the entire public order team who keep London safe.”
Michael Wallace co-founded the award-winning KickOff@3 football initiative, building bridges between police and youth through sport, music and poetry. “Being recognised by Her Majesty is a huge honour,” he said.
Vicky Washington has spent 30 years fighting violence against women and girls. She pioneered preventative work at airports to stop FGM and improved domestic abuse services. “I’m delighted to receive the QPM in the Platinum Jubilee year,” she said.
Detective Sergeant Marc O’Shea has been vital in protecting the Royal Family at Windsor Castle for 15 years. He played a key role at numerous high-profile events including royal weddings and the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral. “It’s been a privilege to serve and I’m proud to be recognised.”
Acting Commissioner Praises Outstanding Service
“I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has recognised so many Metropolitan police officers and police staff in the Birthday Honours,” said Sir Stephen House. “They should be very proud of their dedicated service, wonderful accomplishments, and positive impact on keeping London and its communities safe.”
These awards shine a light on the dedication, bravery and innovation of Met personnel, proving that London’s finest are going above and beyond to protect the capital and inspire future generations.
