Chief Constable Andy Cooke expressed his delight as 2 more members named in the Queens New Year's Honours

MERSEYSIDE Police Chief Constable Andy Cooke has expressed his delight following the news that 2 members of the Force have been named as recipients of awards in the Queens New Year's Honours list.

Following the announcement that Merseyside Police Detective Inspector Sabi Kaur and Wirral PCSO Sharon Broderick have been given awards in the New Year's Honours, Chief Constable Andy Cooke, said:- "On behalf of all the officers and staff of Merseyside Police I would like to congratulate both Detective Inspector Sabi Kaur and PCSO Sharon Broderick, who have both been awarded MBEs for their services to policing. It is a real pleasure to see professional and passionate Police officers and support staff receive recognition for the hard work and commitment they show on a daily basis. All of Merseyside should be proud of the achievements of Sabi and Sharon and I am sure that the people who they have worked with, and for, over the years would join me in congratulating them. Sabi, who is currently the only Sikh officer we have within the force, is an amazing role model and she has been recognised for the work she has carried out to help her colleagues deal more efficiently and effectively with Honour Based Abuse. Sabi has thrown herself into the role and works tirelessly to educate her peers and senior officers, along with colleagues in partner agencies, about the risks posed to vulnerable victims. Sabi's passion for the job she does constantly shines through and she is widely respected throughout the organisation, and nationally, for the work she has done in relation to honour based abuse and forced marriage and I am delighted that she has been recognised in this way. I hope that Sabi's commitment, enthusiasm and genuine will encourage other women from a similar background to join the Police service and protect those most vulnerable in our communities."

Chief Constable Andy Cooke added:- "I would also like to congratulate PCSO Sharon Broderick, who was one of the 1st intake of PCSOs back in 2003. Sharon is a PCSO in Upton and her passion for wanting to help people has shone through throughout the last 13 years. Sharon joined the Force because she remembered her 'local bobby' who used to know everyone and was there when people were in need, and she wanted to provide that same community support. During her time as a PCSO Sharon has been involved in numerous community projects, including a scheme to bring together 2 local groups of youths, who were constantly battling against each other. They worked together with both groups on an art project and together the young people, who were aged between 12 and 19 years, produced some fantastic pieces of art and realised that there was more to life than fighting with each other."

Detective Inspector Sabi Kaur, who is 43 years and married with 5 children, said:- "I am honoured to have received a MBE at the same time it is extremely humbling. I could not have achieved it without the support from many colleagues and mentors. Early on in my career I recognised I could assist Merseyside Police in raising the awareness and assist with investigations and raising awareness around Forced Marriages and Honour Based Abuse, which are sensitive issues that need to be addressed to prevent abuse and oppression of victims. I have delivered presentations to other forces and agencies around the country, I was also given the opportunity to speak on an international platform at the International Association of Women Police in 2015. This is something I am passionate about and I believe everyone has the right to live their life free from abuse and have the freedom to choose whomever they want to marry. My husband and children have been the driving Force throughout my career, and there is no doubt in my mind that the honour I have received also recognises their support and love."

PCSO Sharon Broderick, who is 50 years and married with an 18 year old son, said:- "I am absolutely delighted to have received this recognition. However, the award also reflects the hard work and dedication of all those people I have worked with over many years, both partner agencies, schools and the communities of Wirral. I have met and worked with some amazing and inspiring people over the years. I am really proud to have served within Merseyside Police and I can honestly say that there has never been a day when I have not enjoyed being at work. I have always been driven to help people within the community I have served and I still feel exactly the same today. I am about to leave Merseyside Police in order to pursue a career in which I can further support families within the communities of Wirral further."