The Nottinghamshire Police Special Inspector for Learning and Development Ryan Clarke has spoken of his shock and pride after being awarded the British Empire Medal in The King’s Birthday Honours list.
Ryan, who was honoured for ‘services to the community in Nottinghamshire’, said he was ‘taken aback’ after being notified of his prestigious award.
He said: “I am delighted and incredibly humbled to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. It was completely unexpected and it took some time to sink in!
“Volunteering has been a huge part of my life – whether through supporting the professional development of volunteer police officers in my role as a Special Inspector for Learning and Development in Nottinghamshire Police or my other voluntary work as Bandmaster of a community marching band, Mansfield District Corps of Drums.
“This honour truly highlights the significant impact that volunteers make to society.
“I have been fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of volunteers over the years. Their commitment and passion inspire me every day.”
He added: “The Corps is a community marching band and affiliated unit with the Royal British Legion that provides cost-free extracurricular opportunities for people of all ages, including civilians, veterans, members of the emergency services and serving members of HM Armed Forces, fostering a safe space for members to both socialise and access the arts (music).
“It also allows diverse members of the community from various backgrounds and age groups to come together for a common cause. That is to provide Nottinghamshire with a quality marching band which is relied upon to perform at military, civic and ceremonial parades, and events throughout the county.
“This has included leading the Mercian Regiment through the City of Nottingham, Worksop, and Newark for their freedom of the city/town parades and also RAF Cranwell for their Battle of Britain Parade in Newark.
“Every year, the Corps also takes the lead in many Remembrance parades and Armed Forces Day events throughout the county.
“In addition, the band has performed internationally in France and Belgium and also annually at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for various armed forces and veteran associations.”
Ryan, who will reach 10 years’ service with Nottinghamshire Police in August, is due to be presented with his medal on 8 October by Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, who acts as The King’s personal representative in the county.
He will be invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, along with other BEM recipients, in due course to celebrate their achievement.
Ryan’s prestigious award is also a proud moment for his family – in particular his dad, Paul, who joined the force back in October 1998 and is currently Special Inspector for Mansfield and Ashfield.
The Special Constabulary are part of our Prevention Hub, which is a collaboration between multiple force departments responsible for developing and delivering strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county.
Superintendent Heather Maelor, who is head of our Prevention Hub, said: “I’m very pleased that Ryan’s notable contributions to policing and serving the communities of Nottinghamshire has been recognised on a national scale.
“He is a shining example of dedication to the community in Nottinghamshire and I would like to offer my congratulations to him on this exceptional achievement.”
