Five officers based at police headquarters in Devizes were among 15 recognised by the Queen last week for their long service to Wiltshire.

Lord Lieutenant John Bush, on behalf of Her Majesty, presented long service and good conduct medals for 22 years service to Chief Inspector Lisette Harvey, Inspector Mike White, Detective Sergeant Paul Drever, PC Tim Gardner and Detective Constable David Sharp at police headquarters last Wednesday evening.

In addition, Det Sgt Drever received a coroner’s commendation from High Sheriff Dame Elizabeth Neville for his extremely thorough investigation into the death of Kate Walsh, 15, of Highworth, who died of a heroin overdose in 2004.

An inquest into her death was held in October last year and, thanks to Det Sgt Drever’s work, the then coroner David Masters was able to bring in a narrative verdict covering the circumstances of her sad death.

Wiltshire Chief Constable Brian Moore said he felt a huge sense of pride in the members of the force who received the awards. He also thanked their families.

It was not the first time Dame Elizabeth attended a police awards ceremony in her new capacity as High Sheriff, rather than Chief Constable, but it was still strange for her nevertheless.

She said: “It’s odd seeing it from a different angle but wonderful to see people I know being recognised for their achievements.”

She spoke to Paul Drever after the awards and was impressed with his extreme sensitivity.