Avon and Somerset Police praise inspirational New Years Honours recipients
The quartet who each have played a role in the force are just some of those from the South West mentioned in the 2024 New Years Honours
Nearly 100 people from up and down the South West have been recognised for their amazing work in the community in 2024's New Year Honours list.
Four of those play their role in Avon and Somerset Police - who are praising their instrumental work in serving people up and down our region.
Those are Desmond Brown MBE, Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins KPM, Andy Paget MBE, and Douglas Allen BEM.
The force have today shared their stories.
Desmond Brown MBE
Desmond Brown created Growing Futures in 2013 to empower young people and families impacted by school exclusions, youth violence and exploitation - and has since engaged with more than 350 people to help them 'build positive lives'.
He was also appointed Chair of Bristol Mayoral’s Commission on Race Equality in 2017, holding public and private sectors to account on racial equality, disproportionality and institutional racism - before his pivotal work in establishing the Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel.
His work in the wake of the Lammy Review has also helped shape a number of policing processes, including Avon and Somerset Police's stop and search policy.
He said: “This is an honour for me and my family, but more than that, it recognises the importance of the voice of the community in delivering equity and justice for everyone. That work continues.”
Chief Constable Crew said: “Desmond remains a tireless campaigner for doing the right thing.
“He is someone who typifies the phrase ‘critical friend’ and we are hugely grateful for his open-mindedness, but also willingness to hold us to account to drive us to improve the service we provide all our communities.”
Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins KPM
Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins joined Avon and Somerset Police in 1996.
He's most recently known for being the Senior Investigating Officer for multiple high-profile cases, including leading the investigation into the murders of 16-year-old Max Dixon and 15-year-old Mason Rist in south Bristol in January 2024.
Five people were convicted of their murders in November.
Read more: Four teenagers jailed for life for murdering two boys in Bristol
He said: “It’s extremely humbling and a true honour to be awarded the King’s Police Medal.
“I grew up in Bristol, so it’s been a privilege to have spent my entire policing career in the Avon and Somerset area. All I’ve ever wanted to do is make a difference, so to be recognised in this way is completely unexpected.
“For me, this honour is a testament to the dedicated and caring people I’ve worked with and alongside over the past 28 years.”
Chief Constable Crew said: “Gary is a hugely empathetic, as well as professional, detective.
“He is tenacious in his approach to bring offenders to justice, but crucially never loses sight of the human impact. He treats every family and every victim as if they are one of his own, which is a quality that epitomises the caring nature policing must always have.”
Andy Paget MBE
Andy Paget has dedicated more than 25 years to the communities of Avon and Somerset and as Senior Force Chaplain he leads a team who provide unconditional support for all officers, staff and their families, irrespective of faith.
The Bristol Multi-Faith Forum recognised his work in ‘promoting community cohesion and inclusiveness and making Bristol a better place to live’, by handing him a Love Your Neighbour Award in 2018.
Andy also instigated a Police Memorial service to provide a local, personal focus for families.
Chief Constable Crew said: “He leads our Remembrance services every year and he epitomises the very essence of humble public service. We are delighted to see that recognised in the New Year’s Honours.”
Douglas Allen BEM
For more than 50 years, Doug Allen has volunteered to help his community having started out as a Special Constable in January 1960, joining at 18.
He was part of the Special Constabulary until 1994 - and since 2004, has played a major role in South Somerset in the Community Speedwatch team.
It is estimated that more than 22,000 education letters have been generated in South Somerset largely by him and one other volunteer since early-2020.
Two years ago, Douglas received the Avon and Somerset Police Volunteer of the Year award due to his outstanding commitment and service.
Chief Constable Crew said: “For decades Doug has selflessly devoted himself to volunteering to support policing efforts, most notably in terms of his unwavering commitment to improving road safety.
“Volunteering with Community Speedwatch can, in general, often be a thankless, and a particularly cold task at this time of year! However, Doug’s work over recent years co-ordinating CSW has no doubt helped to make the roads safer, particularly for the people of Somerset.”
Read more: New Year Honours List celebrates unsung heroes from the south west