Three members of the BTP family have been honoured in the King’s first Birthday Honours list (2023).
It was announced yesterday evening (16/06/2023) that ACC Sean O’Callaghan O.B.E., PC Catherine DALEY M.B.E. and Inspector Ezekiel Awoyomi B.E.M. have received recognition in the Birthday Honours List 2023.
Congratulations to them all.
The Awards table has been updated.
Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan has been recognised with an O.B.E. – something he said was an “honour” after leaving school at the age of 15 and starting his career as a Special Constable 32 years ago.
Sean was recognised for his services to policing, with his citation stating he’s an “inspirational police leader who consistently delivers beyond what is expected.”
Sean joined BTP in 2018, having started out as a Special Constable with Essex Police in 1991 and serving 25 years – including as Divisional Commander for West Essex and lead for Learning and Development for Essex and Kent.
At BTP, he leads the specialist capabilities portfolio, which has seen him lead BTP’s operations for Covid-19, G7, Commonwealth Games, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Operation London Bridge and the King’s Coronation. He has also taken on the role of Corporate Witness for BTP in the Manchester Arena Inquiry and has led changes made within the force following the attack.
He said: “The day the letter arrived I was on leave working in my drama group workshop, building a throne of all things for our next production.
“My wife sent me a WhatsApp with a photo of the official looking envelope. When I got home that evening, our anticipation was held as I wanted to first hear about my wife’s earlier successful job interview before opening my letter.
“I read the letter and had tears in my eyes. I had left school in Ireland aged 15, my first job in the UK was sweeping up sawdust from a furniture factory floor.
“I could never have imagined the amazing policing career I have experienced so far and I am humbled that my duty to public service was receiving such an acknowledgement.
“Without doubt my proudest experience has been to lead BTP’s women and men through our contribution to Operation London Bridge and I am honoured to receive this award with such direct recognition.
“My own commitment to policing would not have been possible without the support and understanding of my wife and family to whom I am so grateful. Equally this award recognises services as a police leader, however, my gratitude remains with all the officers and staff, across the three forces I have worked in, who come to work every day to try and keep communities safe.”
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “It is a privilege to work alongside Sean and see the commitment, expertise and dedication he brings to BTP every single day.
“Congratulations to him on this thoroughly well-deserved honour.”
Recently retired PC Catherine Daley has been awarded an M.B.E. in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Cath – who served with BTP for 30 years and retired in November – was recognised for her services to policing.
Over three decades, she led the way for women in policing at BTP and colleagues described her as “loyal, dedicated, self-motivated” and “the person you want around in a crisis”.
Her service included contributing to the safe running of operations such as Euro 96, NATO in 2014 and the Flying Scotsman.
On the night of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, Cath helped a young girl to safety before returning to the scene to help countless others. She later helped officers through the process of the ensuing inquiry and was an Area Committee Chair of the BTP Federation.
In her citation, it states: “Cath is an inspiration to many and her achievements throughout her career will lead the way for the next generation of officers.”
Cath said: “I am still pinching myself since I received the letter from the Cabinet Office several weeks ago.
“It’s a great privilege to be awarded the honour of MBE in His Majesty the King’s first birthday honours list. This means so much to me and my family.
“Thank you to whoever nominated me, it feels very special my service has been recognised.”
She added: “A big thank you to all my colleagues with the British Transport Police who I worked with over the last 30 years. Without their professionalism and dedication to duty I would not be receiving this award.”
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “I wish Cath a very happy and well-deserved retirement. It’s clear that during her three decades with BTP she demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism.
“The work she carried out whilst at BTP continues to lead the way for others and so I thank her for her service – and congratulate her on this honour.”
Inspector Ezekiel Awoyomi initially thought his letter informing him that he had been awarded a British Empire Medal was a prank.
The recently retired officer said: “I first thought it was some prank or even a scam when I received the letter from the Cabinet Office – I had to make further enquiries to confirm it!
“I was doing my job and being myself, helping those I could and was not expecting any rewards for it.”
Eze worked for BTP for many years as the force’s lead for custody, ensuring detainees were well managed and cared for, and that the highest professional standards were carried out by all officers using the facility.
His citation for the BEM reads: “He is distinctly selfless, cheerful, considerate, compassionate, with a generosity of spirit, high standards yet clear understanding of the pressures and challenges faced by his officers. Eze is a fantastic ambassador not just for policing, but in all that he represents.”
Eze received a Chief Constable’s commendation for his work at the scene of the Aldgate bombing on 7/7. Outside of policing, he is a pivotal member of his church community and drives around Kent each week with sandwiches, warm clothing and blankets, offering help to people in need of support.
He also works with communities and children in Nigeria, as well as the Saffron charity, which safeguards African children and adults.
Eze said: “It is a very nice feeling to have these recognised and to be nominated for this award.
“I hope it will motivate others to continue working hard and doing their best, even when no one is looking.
“I am grateful for the nomination and still in a state of disbelief! What a great way to end my BTP career.”
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “Description of Ezekiel from everyone who worked with him show him to be an incredibly warm, compassionate and professional colleague.
“From all of us at BTP, congratulations to Eze and thank you for so many years of dedicated service.”
Source: BTP
