'Awe-inspiring' police worker awarded British Empire Medal in in New Year's Honours List

An 'awe-inspiring' police worker has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Tracy Wren, who joined Gloucestershire Constabulary in 2004, was named on the list published tonight (Wednesday 30 December). The medal recognises what the Government website describes as 'hands-on service to the community' that makes a 'significant difference'.  

Tracy has been the co-ordinator of the Constabulary's groundbreaking cadet scheme since 2015 and before that worked as a Police Community Support Officer in Wotton-under-Edge and then Stonehouse, where she helped residents establish the All Pulling Together Association to improve quality of life in the area.

Tracy said: "I am very grateful to be part of an amazing team who work so hard to make the cadet programme the success it is. I am particularly grateful for the truly outstanding contribution of our volunteer leaders as well as our wonderful cadets, who give so much time and energy to the programme. Gloucestershire police cadets would not be possible without their dedication.

"I am so proud to receive this honour on behalf of us all

"I am particularly proud of our Treasure Seeker cadets, who were brought into the police family in 2018. This initiative has seen them achieve and grow so much.

"Our work in partnership with the Kingfisher Treasure Seekers has really impacted on how adults with learning difficulties or someone with mental health issues views the police - we aren't the scary uniformed police service anymore, we are now their friends.

"I am so grateful to the Gloucestershire Constabulary Cadet Programme. Every day it gives me another reason to feel proud to be part of such an amazing team."

Congratulating Tracy on her award, Chief Constable Rod Hansen said: “I am delighted that Tracy has been recognised in this way. I have spoken many times about our magnificent people going over and above what might be expected of them, and Tracy is a fine example of that. Not only has she supported our communities for many years, she is an inspirational Cadet Leader and her work with Treasure Seekers is typical of her dedication, and her caring and compassionate approach.”

Superintendent Kath Davis, Lead for Citizens in Policing , said: "We at Gloucestershire Constabulary couldn’t be more proud to have Tracy as our Cadet Co-ordinator.  Tracy is an absolute force of nature: her passion for supporting young people to become the best they can be, play a positive role in our communities, and – most importantly – have fun, is awe-inspiring! 

"Tracy has created a safe, welcoming, happy place for so many young people, including some who – by virtue of disability or social circumstance - have never been part of a youth organisation in the way that so many of us take for granted.  The positive impact on these young people’s lives, and the type of adults they grow up to be cannot be underestimated.  I thank and congratulate Tracy on behalf of the whole organisation and look forward to supporting her cadet groups to go from strength to strength."

Gloucestershire Constabulary's cadet scheme is designed for those aged between 13-18 and provides exciting opportunities to develop new skills and self-confidence, while taking an active part in helping to deliver policing to the local communities. More information can be found here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/ca/careers/police-cadets/