Officer awarded British Empire Medal

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Wednesday, 9 January 2019 20:38

British Empire Medal awarded to long serving officer.

Charles Pearson, who has been a Special Constable and then a Special Sergeant with West Mercia Police for 45 years, has also been honoured with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to policing.

The grandfather-of-one, who lives with his wife Christine in Church Stretton, gives 40 to 60 hours a month to the role.

The 64-year-old was inspired to join after he came to the aid of a police officer during a fight involving a group of men in Much Wenlock.

He was summoned to the police station the next day and was thanked for his actions.

During his time as a special constable, he has worked in police stations in Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock and Church Stretton, and has patrolled the streets and roads of south Shropshire.

He also helped to carry out house-to-house inquiries following the murder of British teenager Lesley Whittle in the 1970s.

Mr Pearson, who found out about his award six weeks ago, said: "I was sworn to secrecy.

"It was very, very difficult to keep quiet.

"I'm over the moon to be honoured. I feel very humbled. I've just been doing a job I loved and worshipped for 45 years."

It is not the first time he has been honoured for his policing role. He was awarded the Freedom of Much Wenlock by the town council in 2014.

Mr Pearson said: "I enjoy helping people.

"I remember being sent to see an old lady who was depressed, I went to see her a couple of times. Eventually I contacted her family and we arranged for her to go and live with them.

"That sticks in my mind because it was such a positive thing. I've loved every minute of it. I would do it again in a heartbeat."