WHEN Richard Owen picked up a copy of The News in 1993, he could have had no idea it would lead to him being honoured with an MBE.
He saw a story asking people to volunteer to become special constables, and decided to do his bit.
Now, 19 years later, he is a district officer – equivalent to a police inspector – and is responsible for 34 ‘specials’ in the district, as well as being on the Havant and Emsworth beat.
Mr Owen said: ‘This was a bit of a surprise to me, and is in recognition that I’ve been doing this for 19 years.
‘I suppose the big issue is that I’m a volunteer and I make time over and above my regular job and other commitments to do it.
‘I just wanted to do my bit.’
Pompey fan Richard was the winner of the Hampshire Special Constable of the year award in 2007, devoting significantly more hours to his role than is required or expected. In 2012 he completed 428 hours in addition to his full time role as a member of police staff.
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