Merseyside Police Shine at Royal Honours Ceremony with Chief Constable Serena Kennedy Leading the Celebrations
This week, Merseyside Police celebrated significant recognition as several of its officers and staff were honored at prestigious ceremonies at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. Among them was Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, who received the King’s Police Medal, a testament to her long-standing dedication to policing.
On Wednesday, 17 April, Andy Duignan from Formby was honored at Windsor Castle with the King’s Police Medal for his exceptional contributions to firearm investigations. His efforts have significantly decreased firearms discharges in Merseyside, establishing the region as a national benchmark for best practices according to the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS). His leadership in firearms surrender operations has notably reduced community threats.
The same day witnessed Special Chief Inspector Laura Hart, the most senior female volunteer in Merseyside Police, receiving the same medal. Hart’s remarkable public service has greatly enhanced officer training and created new opportunities for female Special Constable officers in fields like investigations, hate crime, and the protection of vulnerable populations. Her proactive role in recruitment and mentoring has led to an increase in female officers within the force.
On Friday, 19 April, Donna Dawber from Prescot was presented with an MBE medal for Services to Policing by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace. Donna’s 23-year career has been marked by her impactful work with the media, particularly noted during the investigations of five fatal shootings in 2022. Her strategic media engagements played a crucial role in community reassurance and were pivotal in garnering crucial witness testimonies, said ST Helen Star.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy received her King’s Police Medal on Tuesday, 23 April, at Windsor Castle, marking her outstanding service since starting her career at Greater Manchester Police in 1993. Her leadership was particularly crucial during the Covid pandemic and following the tragic events at Liverpool Women’s Hospital and the fatal stabbing of 12-year-old Ava White in November 2021.
Chief Constable Kennedy reflected on the honor, saying: “It was a wonderful experience to visit Windsor Castle and accept the King’s Police Medal, and I was delighted to share the moment with my family whose support over many years has been tremendous.”
She continued, “At the forefront of my mind when I received the medal was the hard work put in by officers, staff, and volunteers across Merseyside every day. Their dedication to keeping the public here safe ensures that Merseyside Police is one of the best performing forces in the country.”
The week’s ceremonies not only highlighted individual achievements but also underscored the collective effort and collaboration between Merseyside Police and their partners, including Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, led by Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan, who received the King’s Fire Service Medal at the same ceremony.
Congratulations to officers and staff from Merseyside Police, including @merpolchiefcon, Serena Kennedy, have received their honours from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace 👑💙
— Merseyside Police (@MerseyPolice) April 23, 2024
Read more here: https://t.co/ZjKbu6LU66 pic.twitter.com/aNE8lLkhak
Serena Kennedy among Merseyside Police officers and staff to receive Royal honours https://t.co/80CgwzPsPn
— Liverpool Echo (@LivEchonews) April 23, 2024