Awards in King's Birthday Honours List

Four long-serving members of West Midlands Police have received recognition in the King's Birthday Honours List after giving more than 150 years of public service.

Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, Special Sergeant Mike Leonard, and police staff members Georgina Johnstone and Vincent Jones have all been honoured this evening (12 June).

Kim has received the King's Police Medal (KPM) through her inspirational leadership and dedicated service across almost three decades within the force.

The current Sandwell Police commander has built strong relations with a wide range of communities and voluntary groups.

Chief Supt Kim Madill

During the CoVID pandemic she led officers in creating links with the Black Country Food Bank, and personally co-ordinated donations to ensure vulnerable families did not go hungry.

She was a founding member of the Women in Policing Network and led on the region’s implementation of ‘Right Care, Right Person,’ ensuring vulnerable people received the right support from the appropriate agencies at their time of need.

Kim has also been pivotal in the work to reduce serious youth violence in her role as the force lead.

Mike has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his dedication towards helping, and protecting, others as a volunteer officer for almost 50 years.

He has contributed over 20,000 hours of his own time as a Special Constable and has been involved in a number of important initiatives.

Special Sergeant Mike Leonard

These have included the installation of weapon disposal bins in Solihull to support the reduction of knife crime.

Mike also secured funding for thousands of bike marking kits to deter thieves, and has worked with partners around retail link radios in Shirley.

Furthermore, he has helped mentor scores of other Specials with a large number going on to become full-time officers.

Vincent Jones has received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award for his services to the people of the West Midlands.

The former officer – who later returned as police staff – was behind the creation of the Drugs Expert Witness Team.

This transformed the way the force operated to improve, and speed up, the process of examining suspected drug packages.

This has assisted in getting organised crime groups off the streets and rescuing young people from risk of harm and exploitation due to drug lines.

Vincent has also volunteered for a bereavement charity, offering support and a friendly ear to those suffering with loss.

Georgina has also been awarded the BEM after dedicating her life to public service for over 40 years, first as a nurse and then in policing.

Georgina Johnstone

She is currently an engagement and consultation officer, working with key partners in the West Midlands.

Her work on the Knife Crime Project saw hundreds of knives taken off the streets and the education of young people on the horrific impact that such weapons have. She worked with NHS consultants to create a video highlighting the reality of being a victim of knife crime.

Her work has also included re-purposing seized counterfeit clothing and shoes to give to amputee children and providing crime prevention booklets to vulnerable elderly members of the public.

Georgina was furthermore instrumental in first Street Watch Groups and Third-Party Reporting Centres, allowing the public to report crimes in a non-police location if preferred.

Acting Chief Constable Scott Green said: "We are all extremely proud of Kim, Mike, Georgina and Vincent for receiving these awards.

"They have dedicated many, many years to making a difference in policing and within communities. They’ve always been willing to put others first.

"These honours are well-deserved and, like everyone at WMP, I want to say a massive thank you and congratulations."

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “These four impressive recipients have dedicated their careers to serving the public and their honours are well and truly deserved.

“By bringing their individual passions and strengths to their work, Kim, Mike, Georgina and Vincent have made long-lasting contributions to their communities. I commend, congratulate and thank them all, for their service and for putting the people of the West Midlands first in all they do.”