An East Lothian police officer has been recognised by His Majesty the King in his Birthday Honours for their distinguished service to policing.
Sergeant Rhona Meikle has 28 years’ service in East Lothian, including 15 years as a dog handler, finding missing persons, securing evidence for serious and organised crime investigations and protecting police and public.
She has volunteered with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, North Berwick, for 30 years, carrying out rescues in the Firth of Forth.
She has brought her experience with RNLI into her work in East Lothian, working with partner agencies to reduce incidents of drowning in the area.
Rhona also uses her experience with dogs to work with young offenders, using her own dogs to as therapy for young people.
She said: “I’m honoured to receive this award. Policing, RNLI and Paws for Progress are organisations I am immensely proud of. They have enabled me to dedicate my time to work with dogs and people, often during their worst times.”
Other recipients include Detective Chief Superintendent Sarah Taylor, and PC Michelle Webster who both received the King’s Police Medal (KPM).
Special Constable Thelma Mackenzie has also been awarded an MBE for voluntary and public service to the community in Thurso, Caithness.
Congratulating the recipients, Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM said: “I offer my warmest congratulations to Sarah, Michelle, Rhona and Thelma.
“These honours are recognition of the skill and hard work of officers and staff who deliver for Scotland’s communities and keep people safe every day.”
