PCSO receives honour for services to Policing and the community in Ipswich
Ginny Shoesmith has been awarded a British Empire Medal Picture: GINNY SHOESMITH - Credit: Archant
An Ipswich PCSO has been recognised for her services to policing and the community in Ipswich in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.
Ginny Shoesmith, 62, from Ipswich will be given a British Empire Medal for her work as a PCSO in the town.
Mrs Shoesmith has been a PCSO for the last 10 years having moved across from another civilian role within the police after a recommendation from a friend.
“Having always done secretarial work it was a complete career change at 52. I found my niche and have loved every minute of it.”
News of her award came as a complete shock to Mrs Shoesmith who came home from holiday to find her letter from the Cabinet Office.
“I said to my husband ‘this is definitely a scam’,” said Mrs Shoesmith, “He read the letter and said ‘I don’t think it is!’
“I was in complete shock and I felt completely embarrassed. I have done a job I love for 10 years I have not done anything special.”
Most Read
- 1 See inside £1.65m Ipswich home with swimming pool and games room
- 2 Ipswich girl with cyst on brain struggling to get diagnosis
- 3 7 things around Ipswich which are among the best in the country
- 4 Police carry out 'pre-planned' operation in Felixstowe road
- 5 New 99-room Ipswich Travelodge expected to open next year
- 6 Suffolk's top 10 fish and chip shops as voted by our readers - now pick a winner
- 7 Notcutts submit detailed plans for 14 homes on the edge of Ipswich
- 8 Ipswich MP renews support for food van fighting council's plans
- 9 Can you answer these 10 GCSE questions designed for 16-year-olds?
- 10 5 new places to eat and drink in Woodbridge this year
Mrs Shoesmith is no stranger to awards: in 2011 she was nominated for PCSO of the year at the Jane’s Police Review Awards which recognise and honour the work of police officers and staff across the county.
In 2017 she was named Police Person of the year at the Stars of Suffolk Awards.
After a decade in the role Mrs Shoesmith still enjoys meeting with the people of Ipswich.
“It’s the contact with different people and having the opportunity to get to know people from different communities, different backgrounds that I would have never had the chance to get to know,” said Mrs Shoesmith.
“It’s also being out and about and getting to talk to people.”