Police officers recognised in King's honours list

Police sergeant Laurence East has raised thousands for charity

A police sergeant who continued serving his force despite a terminal cancer diagnosis has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the King's Birthday Honours list.

Laurence East has been recognised for his "exceptional courage and conspicuous devotion to duty", Thames Valley Police said.

The officer, from Oxfordshire, joined the police. Since 2020 he has been receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Following his diagnosis he has completed numerous challenges, raising thousands for charity in the process.

His achievements have included raising £16,000 for Pancreatic Cancer by running a mile a day in police protective equipment.

He also helped an injured military veteran in his wheelchair to the top of the tallest mountain in the Brecon Beacons to raise £6,000 for a more suitable wheelchair.

Stan Gilmour established the force's Violence Reduction Unit

Mr East is also an ambassador for the Curtis Palmer Program, a police charity.

He said: "I have been very lucky to meet lots of people and work all over the force.

"I am very privileged."

Ch Const Jason Hogg said: “I am delighted for Laurence - he has shown exceptional courage and devolution as an officer and I have huge admiration for all he has done to raise awareness and fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer."

British Empire Medals have also been awarded to two former Thames Valley officers.

Nick Reuter was the lead planner for the Queen's funeral

Former Det Supt Stan Gilmour established the force's Violence Reduction Unit and oversaw a £6m Home Office investment in the Thames Valley for serious violence prevention.

He said: "It is humbling that my work over three decades within Thames Valley Police has been recognised."

Former Police Sergeant Nicholas Reuter was the lead planner for the funeral arrangements for the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II.

He said: "This award is a reflection of not just my work, but the efforts of both the operational commanders I was working for and the team who supported me throughout these events, and I would like to give my thanks to them all."