Chief Constable Pam Kelly was among a group of distinguished rank and file officers from across England and Wales recognised in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for their outstanding contribution to policing.
Eighteen officers are recipients of the prestigious Queen’s Police Medal, alongside colleagues from across England and Wales who are being recognised with MBEs, OBEs and CBEs.
Commenting on her medal Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: “It is a great privilege to be awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) at a time when we’re celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
“I’m honoured to be a part of policing in Wales and the wider United Kingdom, and I’m particularly proud to lead a fantastic team at Gwent Police.
“I will cherish this honour and I must take this opportunity to thank and commend the great people that I work with every day, without whom this would not have been possible.”
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, praised his top officer and said he was delighted she had been honoured by the Queen.
Mr Cuthbert said: “Since I appointed Chief Constable Kelly in 2019 her leadership has been tested in ways we could never have anticipated.
“Responding to the pandemic, severe weather events and concerns within our communities in response to global issues, has required great leadership.
“I am continually impressed with the way Chief Constable Kelly has responded to the demands of the last few years and her commitment to ensuring the best possible service for the people of Gwent has been evident throughout.
“She is driving a culture change within Gwent Police and is ably served by a strong chief officer team. Together they are focussing on protecting and reassuring our communities.
“I am delighted that Chief Constable Kelly’s hard work and dedication has been honoured with a Queen’s Policing Medal and would like to thank her personally for all she has done for the people of Gwent.”
One other Welsh police staff Marcia-Yvette Hinkson-Gittins, Police Staff, South Wales Police was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Recipients from Wales in 2022 include Wales football star Gareth Bale who is awarded an MBE for services to football and charity, singer Bonnie Tyler (Gaynor Sullivan) who is awarded an MBE for services to music, poet Dr Gwyneth Lewis who receives a MBE, weather presenter Derek Brockway who receives an BEM and singer and broadcaster Wynne Evans who also receives a BEM.
Others receiving awards include former S4C Chief Executive Owen Evans who has a CBE for services to broadcasting in Wales and the Welsh language, Professor Uzo Iwobi who receives a CBE for services to racial equality, Managing Director of Deeside-based Iceland Foods Richard Walker who has an OBE for services to business and the environment and 80-year-old Patricia Anne Husselbee from Newport who has a BEM for her 64 years of service to the Royal British Legion.
Secretary of State for Wales praised everyone who had been honoured by the Queen.
He said: “In this special Jubilee year, I am once again inspired by the stories of the many people from across Wales who have deservedly been recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
“As well as honouring people who have excelled in sport and the arts, these awards celebrate individuals who selflessly give back to those around them, both through their work and personal lives.
‘‘It is heart-warming to see the hugely diverse range of recipients from right across Wales recognised for their commitment to charity, education, community work and health.
“I congratulate each person honoured and thank them for their invaluable contribution.”