Grampian Police Officer Receives Queen's Police Medal
Monday, 01 December, 2008
An Ellon Special Police Constable is celebrating after receiving recognition from the Queen for his years of service to the local community.
Bob Ballantyne, 61, received the Queen's Police Medal at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday for distinguished service. The medal is rarely given to anyone below Assistant Chief Constable in rank and it is unheard of for a Special Constable to be given such an honour.
Mr Ballantyne, who joined Grampian Police as a Special Constable in 1981, worked as a Radiation Safety Officer with the RAF before his retirement and currently runs his own small business.
Speaking after returning to Ellon, Bob said:
"I am honoured and flattered to have received the medal. However, policing is about teamwork and this award is as much a testament to the hard work of those I have served with in Grampian Police over the last 28 years, as it is to me.
"I would highly recommend the Specials to anyone who wants to give something back to the local community. Police work is like no other job. When you go in for duty, you have no idea what might present itself on that shift. No two shifts are the same. What can be said is it's very rewarding role."
Inspector Steve Pratt, who nominated Mr Ballantyne for the award, said:
"We are all delighted Bob has received this recognition as he truly is one of the countries 'unsung heroes' who, over the last 28 years, has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Grampian Police that is unsurpassed in the Special Constabulary.
"Bob's knowledge of the local community is extremely beneficial and is tapped into at every opportunity by regular officers. He is also a mentor and inspiration to both the new special constables and the regular officers who come into the area. He has surpassed his 400th consecutive weekend of duty, which is almost 8 full years, during which time he has worked every Friday and Saturday night from 1700 to 0400 hours.
In fact Bob was very keen to ensure that he was able to get back from his appointment at Buckingham Palace in time to be on duty in Ellon at the weekend."
"In short, he will be sorely missed by both the police and the people of Ellon once he finally retires."
