Friday 31 December 2021

 A detective inspector who has spent a remarkable 41 years serving communities in West Yorkshire has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

Detective Inspector Gary Stephenson of Calderdale Police has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the 2022 Honours for his decades of unswerving commitment to policing.  

His citation notes that his professionalism and dedication to investigating serious crime over the past 40 years has made him a role model for officers across West Yorkshire.

DI Stephenson QPM, said he was both honoured and humbled to be recognised.

He said: “It’s a surprise but a pleasant one! I see this as recognition not just of what I have done, but all those colleagues I have worked with over the years.
“I have really enjoyed my time with West Yorkshire Police, working in and making a difference to our communities”.

Gary joined West Yorkshire Police in 1980 and moved into CID in 1985, after showing a thirst for detective work and investigating serious crime.

He dedicated the rest of his service to protecting communities as a detective and in the following years, worked on some of the force’s most complex criminal enquiries in a range of specialised roles.

The officer was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and inspector in 2008, following his 2005 posting to Calderdale District where he remains. He retires in January 2022.

In recent years he has led investigations into some of the most serious offences in the District including residential burglary, violent crime and robberies by both local and travelling criminals.

His district portfolio also covers the initial attendance and management of all homicides, as well as the sudden and unexplained deaths of both adults and children.

He has been commended over 20 times by his respective Districts, by his Chief Constable and by the Crown Courts of both Leeds and Bradford.

Gary has four separate commendations for his actions in saving the lives of individuals who would have died but for his intervention.

Chief Constable John Robins QPM, said: “ DI Gary Stephenson is such a worthy recipient of the Queen’s Police Medal.  He is an amazing detective and a dedicated, professional and enthusiastic police officer. 

“Gary has dedicated his working life to public service, specifically to policing in West Yorkshire. He has given over 41 years of service and been at the centre of many complex and detailed investigations. 

“Gary is noted by his colleagues for his commitment to duty, dedication and enthusiasm. He is a renowned and tenacious investigator who always puts the care of victims and witnesses at the heart of all he does.  Gary is also well known by partner agencies for his dedication to keeping people safe. Protecting communities is what Gary does.

“This is a fitting tribute at the end of Gary’s policing career.  Gary and his family deserve his retirement in 2022 He will be missed by many friends and colleagues across West Yorkshire Police.”