Six Northern Ireland officers honoured
Chief Constable George Hamilton is to receive a knighthood as exemplary leadership of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton has been awarded an OBE, Chief Superintendent Emma Bond has been awarded an MBE and three Queen’s Police Medals (QPM) have been awarded to PSNI officers.
Former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable and now An Garda Síochána Commissioner Drew Harris, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts and retired Detective Constable Ronnie Galwey, will receive QPMs for services to policing and the community in Northern Ireland.
George Hamilton has been a police officer for 34 years, having served in the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC, Strathclyde Police and PSNI.
During his five year tenure as chief constable, confidence in policing has risen to over 90 per cent and recorded crime performance is at its all time best.
Speaking about his award Mr Hamilton said: “I am delighted to be receiving this award. It has been an honour and the highlight of my career to have served as chief constable of the PSNI.
“Any success I have achieved has only been possible because of the sacrifice and support of my family and the women and men of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.”
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton has 25 years’ service and is currently in charge of District Policing across Northern Ireland.
As a chief officer he has held a number of posts including Head of Legacy and Justice Department, Head of Professional Standards and Director of Human Resources.
Throughout his career he has built and developed relationships across communities in a number of operational commands.
He is also the National Police Chief Council’s lead for Hate Crime across the UK.
Chief Superintendent Emma Bond has 20 years’ service and has held a number of senior positions including Area Commander for West Belfast and District Commander for Antrim and Newtownabbey. She is currently the Deputy Head of the Innovation and Standards Department.
Chief Supt Bond is also the service lead for Hate Crime. She was also instrumental in establishing the Service’s Women in Policing Association of which she is currently the chair.
With over 35 years’ service in the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC and the PSNI, former Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris left the PSNI in August 2018 to take up his current position as Commissioner of An Garda Síochána in September.
During his career, he has held a number of senior operational command positions including Assistant Chief Constable for Crime Operations.
In 2013 he was appointed as a high-level expert to a European Parliament Committee reporting on organised crime and corruption and is recognised as a national expert in dealing with serious crime operations and critical incidents.
Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts has over 23 years’ service and has served across Northern Ireland in both uniform and detective roles, leading on a number of high-profile investigations into serious and organised crime including murders and terrorist incidents.
He is currently the Police Commander for the Belfast District and service lead for Business Crime.
Detective Constable Ronnie Galwey recently retired following 30 years’ service to policing in Northern Ireland.
Throughout his career he served in both uniformed and detective roles, his most recent position was in Crime Operations Department.
For a full list of awards click here
