A TRIO of West Midlands Police officers have been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Sergeant Antony Ashton, PC Mat tEvans and former Superintendent Karen Geddes have been given the Queens Police Medal (QPM) in honour of their service.
Sgt Ashton was handed the award for his role in reducing violence as part of the dedicated gangs team in Coventry.
The forces say his work has contribute to an 82 per cent reduction in firearms offences and 65 per cent fall in violence between October 2020 and May 2021.
He has been involved in securing injunctions to stop violence and drugs, and worked with partner agencies to ensure those at risk of becoming involved in crime have been diverted away.
West Midlands Police added the nature of his job means his image is not being shared.
Karen rose the ranks to become the most senior black woman in the force and she was awarded Inspirational Leader of the year at the National Ethnicity Awards in 2019.
She was elected chairwoman of the West Midlands Black and Asian Police Association (BAPA) in 2013 and was at the forefront of supporting staff.
Karen – who retired within the last year after reaching the rank of Superintendent – has also helped to raise money for a different of charities including the NHS and in memory of former officers.
PC Evans has helped reduce pickpocketing as a Birmingham city centre officer over the last two decades.
He has also received awards for his courage in catching and arresting a knifeman while off duty in London.
Chief Constable, Sir David Thompson, said: “I’m delighted Mat, Antony and Karen have been recognised with the QPM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
“They’ve all made an outstanding contribution to policing and their award is richly deserved.
