A recently retired police Staffordshire Police officer has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the Birthday Honours list.
Steve Thompson joined the force as a cadet in 1980, becoming a regular officer in 1982. During his career, he worked across the county, including a spell in Lichfield.
During the last 12 years of his service, he headed up the force’s specialist tactical planning unit. This role involved coordinating plans, staffing, specialist skills and equipment for major operations such as V Festival, royal visits and pro-active operations, such as Operation Nemesis and counter terrorism investigations.
He retired at the rank of Chief Inspector in December last year.
Staffordshire’s Chief Constable, Mike Cunningham, said: “Steve played an invaluable role in helping to keep our communities safe for many years. He was the linchpin of the planning for Staffordshire Police’s fantastic contribution to supporting last summer’s Olympic Torch Relay and policing of the Olympics across the country.
“This was a massively complex operation which allowed Staffordshire Police to support an amazing international event, whilst ensuring we were still able to keep the local communities safe.”
Steve, 49, added: “It was huge surprise – in fact quite a shock as it was so unexpected – I feel honoured and grateful.
“I feel personally quite humbled, this sort of thing happens to other people, not you, and my family are very proud.
“When I look back at my career I really wouldn’t do anything differently and I never thought my work would be recognised like this.”