Retired police officer 'humbled' by honour

Mike West has received the King's Police Medal in the New Year Honours list

A former Devon and Cornwall Police officer has been awarded a medal in the New Year Honours.

Retired Det Supt Mike West is one of the recipients of the King's Police Medal after serving 30 years with the force, the majority of which was with the major crime investigation teams.

During his career, Mr West led investigations and operations linked to murders, kidnaps, sexual and terrorism offences and in 2021, won the National Police Chiefs' Council Senior Investigating Officer of the Year award.

Mr West, who was head of the force's major crime branch when he retired, said he was "humbled" to have been given the award from the King.

He said it had been a privilege to work alongside many "dedicated and professional officers and staff" throughout his career, which started in Torquay in May 1994.

Mr West added he wanted to thank his colleagues, friends and family for helping him during his policing career.

"I am truly honoured and humbled to be recognised in the King's New Year Honours list," Mr West said.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said Mr West was "well thought of" by his former colleagues and the force was delighted he had been recognised in the Honours list.