A LONG-SERVING media manager at Merseyside Police and former St Helens Star reporter has received her MBE at Buckingham Palace.
Donna was among officers and staff from Merseyside Police, including Chief Constable of Merseyside Police Serena Kennedy, who have collected their honours from the Princess Royal at the Palace or Windsor Castle.
On Friday, April 19, news and campaigns manager Donna Dawber, from Prescot, attended Buckingham Palace where the Princess Royal presented her with an MBE medal for Services to Policing.
Donna, a former chief reporter at the Star, was recognised for her work with the media during her 23 years with the force, in which she worked to maximise press reach and influence to fight crime and engage communities.
She was commended for her role in supporting the force's investigations – including five fatal shootings in 2022 – working with the news and communications team to manage the force’s media response, showing the tireless work of officers to investigate the crimes, helping to reassure the public and supporting the families of the victims.
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One of the victims was nine-year-old Olivia Pratt Korbel and Donna and her team handled media liaison with Olivia’s family, coordinating press interviews which had a significant impact on the community and resulted in witnesses coming forward.
Also among those in the force to receive awards were Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, who collected the King’s Police Medal for her long-term commitment to policing throughout her career, which started at Greater Manchester Police in 1993.
Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan, also received the King’s Fire Service Medal.
Andy Duignan received the King's Police Medal was for his professionalism, commitment and expertise on police firearm investigations, Special Chief Inspector Laura Hart visited Windsor Castle where she was honoured with the King’s Police Medal.
And Special Chief Inspector Laura Hart, the most senior female volunteer in Merseyside Police who has made a determined impact on improving officer skills, knowledge and training, exploring opportunities for female Special Constable officers, received an MBE.
'Their commitment has been unwavering'
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “It was a wonderful experience to visit Windsor Castle and accept the King’s Police Medal, and I was delighted to share the moment with my family whose support over many years has been tremendous.
“At the forefront of my mind when I received the medal was the hard work put in by officers, staff and volunteers across Merseyside every day. Their dedication to keeping the public here safe ensures that Merseyside Police is one of the best performing forces in the country.
“It is their hard work that has been recognised, and I am very proud to lead such a professional, dedicated, and passionate workforce.
“It’s wonderful to have seen Andy, Laura and Donna all honoured this week – their commitment over many years has been unwavering and I’m so pleased they and their families have been able to enjoy richly deserved trips to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
“It was also a great pleasure to share the day with my friend and colleague Chief Fire Officer Phil Garrigan, who received the King’s Fire Service Medal at the same ceremony. We work extremely closely with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at incidents and in the planning of events, and his award is a testament to both his inspirational leadership and the commitment of firefighters and staff right across Merseyside.”
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Chief Executive Sue McTaggart said: “On behalf of everyone at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Chief Constable and Donna, Laura, and Andy on these well-deserved honours.
“They have all made an outstanding contribution to policing and have served our communities with commitment and dedication. It’s fantastic to see their service being recognised in this very special way."
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