A PROUD police officer was given the royal seal of approval after meeting Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
Frodsham-based inspector Phil Hodgson received his MBE from her majesty last week for services to the police and described the day as “a once in a lifetime experience”.
Head of Cheshire Constabulary’s Western Rural Neighbourhood Policing Unit, also based at Dragon Hall near Tattenhall, Insp Hodgson was joined by wife Julie at the ceremony.
“It was absolutely fantastic, it was like a dream,” he said. “I got out of the taxi outside the palace and immediately tourists started taking pictures of me.
“Inside the palace, you are with all the other recipients including senior members of the military and you receive instructions on what to do when you meet her majesty.
“I was very nervous, she asked me about community policing in the area I am in charge of and told me to carry on with the good work and that I was ‘obviously doing a good job’.
“It was a very humbling experience to be among some very clever people from all walks of life.
“It really gives you a boost, it’s a once in a lifetime experience which is an affirmation of what I have been trying to do.”
Insp Hodgson, 44, was also quick to thank colleagues and the public for their support.
“I have been incredibly lucky to work with some very good people and with a community that is very understanding, tolerant and supportive. That is very important to me,” he said.
Western Rural NPU’s latest project will see pupils, who ride their bikes to and from the three schools in the Western Rural area – Christleton High, Bishop Heber and Neston High, given free safety lights.
The lights, will be delivered by the Project Rural Matters team.
