A Special Constable who has given nearly 40 years of her own time to Cumbria Police and the communities of this county has been recognised in the New Year Honours.

Susan Holliday, who has volunteered thousands of hours to policing in the last decade alone, will receive the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Susan started her career in policing on February 6, 1987 – when she began her first shift at Carlisle’s former Rickergate station.

She has gone on to champion the voices of countryside communities and was integral in the set-up of Farmwatch schemes that support the county’s farmers and rural areas.

Now, as she approaches almost 39 years as a special constable, she is to be honoured ‘for services to policing and to the community in Cumbria.’

Susan said: “When I was young I always wanted to join the police, and I was given the idea to join the Special Constabulary by family friends who were serving officers.

“I spent eight years working in Carlisle. In this time I was working in response and foot patrol in the city centre – and then eventually moved into community policing.

“I worked Old Harraby, then moved on to become a rural officer at Dalston and never returned to the city.

“Farmwatch was launched after an increase in thefts from farms after the foot and mouth disaster. It helped lead to a reduction in thefts.”

Susan added: “The reason I joined as a special constable back in 1987 was to make a positive difference to people in Cumbria.

“That ambition has never changed and my career to date has been one of incredible experiences.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with great officers, past and present, particularly those who were there to help and support in setting up Farmwatch.”

Deputy Chief Constable Jonny Blackwell said: “We are delighted to see Susan awarded in the New Year Honours.

“She has given up her own time for nearly 40 years for the good of Cumbria Police and the communities we serve.

“This award is thoroughly deserved.

“We are incredibly grateful to all those who freely donate their time towards keeping the public of Cumbria safe.

“We sincerely appreciate their selfless commitment and are proud to have them as part of the team here in Cumbria Police.”

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, added: “I remember Susan on her very first day as a Special Constable at Carlisle, she very much represents the best of policing in Cumbria.

“I am absolutely delighted for her that she is receiving the recognition of a BEM.

“She is, and always has been, a phenomenal Special Constable who is dedicated and passionate about the role: especially representing and protecting our rural communities.

“Her local knowledge is second to none and she absolutely epitomises the phrase, ‘the public are the police and the police are the public’ as first mentioned by Sir Robert Peel in 1836.

“This award is so well deserved and we are all very thankful to Susan for all the time and effort she has dedicated to the Constabulary and, more importantly, the public.

“Thank you for your continued service Susan.”

Carlisle MP Julie Minns: “Many, many congratulations to a very Special Constable, and longstanding friend, Susan Holliday who has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours.

“Susan is a familiar face to many residents across North Cumbria where she goes above and beyond to serve the rural community from Brampton to Bewcastle and all points in between.

“With almost 40 years of voluntary service already served, she still regularly clocks-up one thousand hours a year.

“Congratulations also to Cumbria’s former Chief Constable Rob Carden on being awarded the Kings Police Medal.”