A SPECIAL Constabulary (SC) chief officer is celebrating after winning an MBE award in the New Year Honours List.

Mike Walmsey, who lives in Tyldesley, has dedicated more than 5,000 volunteer service hours to Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) SC.

He also works full time as an operations manager for Willmott Dixon Construction and is a trustee of Birtenshaw, a charity which provides care and education services for children and young adults.

Among his achievements, he was instrumental in co-ordinating the SC’s response to the Manchester Arena bomb attack in May 2017.

Mike led a team tasked with offering reassurance to the community after the devastating blast, which killed 22 people.

Mike, who has been an SC lead for six years, said: “The day after the Manchester Arena bomb, 197 specials turned up for duty to support the community.

"To witness the commitment from our volunteers, wanting to change their own plans and dedicate themselves to the role was humbling.

"It reinforced to me what an amazing team of people we have and I’m proud to lead them in all that we do.

"As a special, I just try to do the best for the people and help support other specials.

"My officers wear the same uniform, have the same powers and face the same risks as regular officers.”

In another major project, Mike encouraged Tameside SC to tackle child sexual exploitation in an operation, supporting teamwork with partners to safeguard young people which resulted in a national 2018 Lord Ferrers Award.

Mike has been a special officer since 2003 after being inspired by his dad, who was a full-time GMP officer.

Sadly Mike’s dad Dave passed away earlier this year and didn’t get to hear of his son being awarded an MBE. 

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Mike said: “I was overwhelmed when I read the letter and couldn’t believe it.

"My emotions were also mixed with sadness as I wanted to call my dad with the good news.

"It’s a shame he isn’t here to hear the news but I know he would have been as excited as I am.

"My dad served with GMP for 30 years and retired in 2001, finishing up as a detective Sergeant in covert operations.

"I drew inspiration from him, but also had a shared interest in construction management.

"I started as a special while at university and now I get to enjoy both by doing them alongside each other.

I now fit it in around my full-time job and look forward to the variety of work that means no two days are ever the same.

"I am very fortunate that my employer also supports my role in GMP and gives me additional leave."

Other members of Mike's family got emotional with the news as well.

Mike said: "My mum and wife were both as overwhelmed as I was with my mum bursting into tears after she heard the news.

"The public announcement of my MBE comes the night before my wife’s 40th birthday, so explaining to her that I’m not intentionally stealing her thunder is proving difficult!

“I’m immensely proud to lead such a committed team of officers and this award is a reflection on the whole team and the dedication of the people I work with.”