In 1781 a medal called the "Doggersbank medaille" was awarded to the officers who took part in the Battle of the Dogger Bank against the British fleet. Instead so called "Beloningspenningen", golden medals on golden chains, were given as gifts to ambassadors and successful admirals. The Republic of the Seven United Netherlands did not possess an order of knighthood. This order still exists in Spain and in the Austrian imperial House. Their successors, the House of Burgundy, founded the famous Order of the Golden Fleece. The oldest were founded by the counts of Holland. Over the centuries, hundreds of medals, decorations for merit or valour and orders of knighthood have been instituted by the successive governments of the Netherlands. The house orders, however, are awarded at the discretion of the Dutch monarch alone. In the Dutch honours system, most orders are the responsibility of ministers of the Netherlands Government. James said: “I am honoured to have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen and to be awarded the British Empire Medal in the Birthday Honours list.Grand cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. James leads a Health and Safety team covering all aspects of safety including providing a 24/7 response to operational safety at significant incidents and was heavily involved in the policing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. He has also completed 15 years’ service as a volunteer first responder for the Scottish Ambulance Service based. James is Police Scotland’s Health and Safety Manager. This month marks my 30 years' police service and this is a fantastic way to mark that, I appreciate it greatly’. “My time covering the islands of Tiree and Coll has, on occasion, been challenging as a lone officer however I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. Steph said: “This has come as a great surprise to me and I am truly honoured to have been nominated for this award. During the pandemic, Steph volunteered to assist the Scottish Air Ambulance Service with their planning to medivac Covid patients from the island if required. The local community said he sees his role as a pivotal part of the island’s resilience arrangements and that he works with the community and other emergency services to keep them safe and supported. As the officer on the island, Steph is frequently recalled to duty to assist members of the local community and visitors and does so at all times of day and night. Steph has been based on the Island of Tiree, the most westerly island in the Inner Hebrides, since 2010, having joined Strathclyde Police in 1992. Police Constable Stephen Tanner (51) Tiree, the Inner Hebrides “Policing has evolved during my service, in particular the environment for women in policing has positively changed and if I have contributed to that, even in some small way, it would make me incredibly proud.” “I have recently retired and I cannot think of a better accolade to end my 35 years policing service. Irene said: “What a lovely surprise to receive this honour. Irene has been a champion of diversity and inclusion, establishing programmes of learning and support and leading change to improve the experiences of women in policing.
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During her career, Irene held roles in the CID, Drug Squad, Special Branch, Training Department and Professional Standards, latterly performing the role of Local Area Commander and Support and Service Delivery Superintendent in P (Fife) Division. Irene has a very broad skill-set developed across a successful career spanning 35 years. Irene joined Lothian Borders Police in 1987 and retired in February 2022. I am personally, and on behalf of policing in Scotland, deeply honoured and extremely grateful.” “I pay heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributes to protecting the people of Scotland and offer my warmest congratulations to those recognised today. Sir Iain said: “Our committed and professional officers and staff are the key to the success of Police Scotland and this important recognition is tribute to the effective public service they provide every day, right across the country. Health and Safety Manager James Bertram received a British Empire Medal for services to policing and to the community in Ayrshire.
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Police Constable Stephen Tanner and recently retired Superintendent Irene Ralston have been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM has been awarded a knighthood as a number of officers and staff were recognised in Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours in the year of her Platinum Jubilee.