A retired Thames Valley Police officer from Milton Keynes says being honored for his community work means everything to him.
Image credit: Lily-May Symonds/BBC
By Aimee Dexter and Lily-May Symonds
Albert Bernard, who spent 30 years as Britain's first Black officer with Thames Valley Police, reflected on the significance of his career milestone. He earned a lifetime achievement award at the Milton Keynes, Bucks, Beds & Northants Black Excellence Awards, held Friday to celebrate individuals who have made extraordinary contributions across various fields.
“Being a black face in a largely white organization at that time and reaching 30 years of service is something I’m incredibly proud of,” Bernard said.
The ceremony aimed to encourage collaboration and progress throughout Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
Bernard joined the force in the 1980s, having long aspired to serve the public. He recalled an early spark for policing after speaking with officers while working in a shop, which planted the seed for his future career. “The rest is history,” he added.
During his tenure, he led a neighbourhood policing team on the Lakes Estate from 1994 until his retirement in 2014.
Image credit: Lily-May Symonds/BBC
The Wilton Hall event honored individuals, organizations, and community groups alike.
Lena Barnes, Milton Keynes’ first Black dance instructor, described the early days after moving to the area when she felt she needed to prove herself. “When I first moved to Milton Keynes, I hardly saw any Black people,” she explained. She began working with youth clubs and the council, running classes and entering competitions, eventually earning a lifetime achievement award. Barnes expressed gratitude for the recognition after years of community involvement.
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