Former Police Constable Ross Dorman, a renowned roads policing expert, has been awarded The King’s Police Medal in recognition of his distinguished service and dedication to maintaining safety and efficiency on Kent’s roads during times of significant disruption.
The prestigious medal, awarded by His Majesty The King as part of the New Year Honours, celebrates individuals with an exceptional record in policing. PC Dorman, who retired in May 2024 after a decades-long career with Kent Police, was instrumental in navigating some of the county’s most challenging moments, including Brexit-related disruptions and the impact of COVID-19 on border controls.
Key Contributions
PC Dorman played a pivotal role in preparing Kent for the introduction of new border controls following the UK’s departure from the European Union. His expertise also proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in December 2020, when the sudden closure of the French border caused significant freight delays. Dorman worked tirelessly to minimize traffic congestion, ensure public safety, and maintain the flow of essential goods.
His contributions extended beyond frontline policing. Dorman helped foster strong relationships between Kent Police and key agencies, including Kent County Council, National Highways, and the Department for Transport. His colleagues and partners regard him as a national expert in roads policing and traffic management.
Humble Recognition
Reflecting on the honour, former PC Dorman, 56, from Sittingbourne, said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my career with Kent Police, and to even be nominated for The King’s Police Medal is a huge honor for me. I could barely believe it when I received the news, but I am very happy and grateful to have been recognized in this way. Being a police officer is all about serving the community, and that is a responsibility I have always taken seriously. I will treasure this honor for the rest of my life.”
Tributes from Leadership
Chief Constable Tim Smith praised Dorman’s contributions, saying:
“The role former PC Dorman played in helping Kent and the UK as a whole prepare for disruption at the borders cannot be understated, and I am delighted his contributions have been recognized by His Majesty The King.
“Ross has helped to ensure that when there is severe traffic disruption on Kent’s roads that could pose a risk to public safety, it is kept to a minimum. He has achieved this with modesty, humility, and a great deal of professionalism, and we are very proud of him.”
Lifelong Service to the Community
Over the years, Dorman’s work has directly benefited residents and businesses in Kent, ensuring access to vital supplies and services during periods of crisis. His efforts have also set a national standard for effective collaboration between police forces and government agencies during complex operations.
The King’s Police Medal is a fitting tribute to Dorman’s lifelong dedication to public service and safety. As he steps into retirement, his legacy will continue to inspire roads policing efforts across the country.
