MBE 'a massive surprise' for Devon and Cornwall Police officer

A Devon and Cornwall Police officer has been appointed MBE for services to policing in the King's New Year's Honours list.

Temporary Inspector Mark Ruston, who has served with the force for 26 years, has led multiple multi-agency responses to civil major incidents as well as working across operations, events and contingency planning in the force.

He also played a key role in the planning for the G7 World Leaders' Summit in June 2021.

Temporary Inspector Ruston said: "The news of this honour was a massive surprise.

"When I received the letter from the Cabinet Office, I thought I was being asked to contribute to the nomination for someone else - until I saw my name as the recipient!

"This honour brings with it a sense of great pride, a bit of embarrassment, but some sadness as well having lost my mum to Covid in the January peak of 2021 leading up to the G7 Summit. I wish she were here for me to share this news with her.

"This award is also for her and her tireless support to me, and for my wonderful family who continue to prop me up, support me, and allow me to make my contribution to policing possible."

The Honours Lists are published twice each year and award knighthoods, damehoods, CBEs, OBEs, MBEs, and BEMs.

MBEs are awarded for outstanding achievements or for services to the community with a long-term or significant impact.