Seven BTP colleagues honoured by The Queen in New Year celebrations

Seven British Transport Police (BTP) officers and staff have been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen as part of the New Year’s Honours.

The seven colleagues, who collectively contributed more than 100 years to policing, have been honoured for distinguished service, outstanding influence on policing or for acts of extreme bravery.

The Honours, Decorations & Medals table has been updated accordingly.

PC Jessica Bullough (Q.P.M.), said: “I feel very honoured receiving this QPM following the awful attack at the Arena, it is a real privilege. Every officer who attended that night should be proud of what they did to help those caught up in the worst possible situation imaginable. I’ll be receiving the medal on behalf of myself and all the first responders from BTP who rushed to the Arena that night, everybody went above and beyond their duties to help those in need.”

PCSO Jon Morrey (B.E.M), said: “I’m completely flabbergasted – it was a real surprise. When I told the Mrs she started crying down the phone. Receiving my commendation from the Chief was amazing – this is just out of this world. None of us expected anything and this is just above and beyond. I feel very humbled.”

PC Mark Renshaw (B.E.M), said: “It is overwhelming to receive this honour from Her Majesty, it really does mean the world to me. When the explosion happened at the Arena, my first and only thought was to help as many people as possible amongst scenes of chaos. I never expected to be honoured for my actions, so this has come as such as surprise.”

Lewis Brown (B.E.M), said: “It is a great and unexpected honour to receive this award. It is a proud moment for myself, my family and on behalf of the British Transport Police. I believe the response from all my colleagues, emergency services and Arena staff on that night was exemplary. I am very grateful to be receiving a British Empire Medal.”

PC Jessica Bullough, PC Mark Renshaw*, PCSO Jon Morrey and PCSO Lewis Brown, were each on duty at Manchester Victoria station on 22 May last year when the blast at the Arena happened. On hearing screams, all four ran towards danger and to scenes of devastation, they were the first emergency service personnel on scene. Throughout the tragedy, the team of four worked heroically in getting the injured to safety and calling for backup. They’ve each been recognised for exemplary levels of bravery.

Dick Gill (M.B.E.), said: “It came as a great surprise to receive this MBE and would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who were involved in my nomination. Having served the BTP diligently as a police officer and later a police staff for 41 years I feel greatly honoured to have received this prestigious recognition.”
Richard (Dick) Gill is another BTP veteran, having worked for the Force for 42 years as a police officer and more recently as a member of police staff. Throughout his career he has been a pioneer for racial diversity, challenging prejudice in the policing sector and cultivating exclusivity in all areas.  Richard has also worked hard on tackling crime head on and was commended in 1992 for his work in cutting robberies on the London Underground.

William Bryden (O.B.E.), said “When I first heard I was going to be awarded an OBE I didn’t really react – I had nothing to compare it to. It was only a few days later when I started thinking about all the other people who have been awarded one in the past that the enormity really hit me. I joined BTP in 2004 with the goal of helping to build and develop the Scenes of Crime team and have had the privilege to work with some truly fantastic people who are an absolute credit to the organisation.”
William Bryden has worked in policing for more than 40 years and with BTP since 2004 in a variety of roles, but has specialised in forensic recovery, in particular disaster victim identification. William has worked on a number of high-profile incidents during his years of service, including the Potters Bar train crash, Boxing Day Tsunami, Hillsborough disaster, the terrorist attacks at London Bridge and Manchester Arena and the Grenfell Tower fire. He is recognised for the passion, dedication and professional he has shown during his years of service.

Alan Smith (B.E.M.), said: “I feel very honoured and humbled to have been nominated for this award. I truly enjoyed my time in BTP but I very much doubt my efforts would have been worthy of this nomination if it wasn’t for the guidance, support and encouragement from every officer, both Specials and Regulars that I had the privilege to  work alongside.
As a Special Police Sergeant, Alan Smith volunteered his time to support and protect passengers and railway staff on the south-east London and Kent rail network. Alan has contributed more than 3,100 during his years of service. He is a tenacious crime fighter and is dedicated to keeping people safe and reassuring the travelling public. Alan is highly respected amongst his colleagues and is always willing to volunteer his spare time, a true role model  for BTP’s special constabulary.

Chief Constable Paul Crowther, said: “What a truly outstanding achievement to see seven members of British Transport Police recognised by Her Majesty as part of her New Year’s Honours. Each colleague has showcased the very best in British policing, serving their communities to the very highest standard. They should each be very proud.

“Whether it is recognition for distinguished service, or for acts of heroism, this group of seven officers and staff have showcased that they are true public servants. They’ve each gone above and beyond to keep Britain’s railway safe and to help people at extremely dark moments in our history. I am extremely proud of each and every one of them and am delighted that they have been recognised in the New Year Honours.”

*Mark Renshaw was a PCSO at the time of the incident. He has since become a PC.

Sources:
BTP website
New Year’s Honours list 2019