Two dedicated Hertfordshire Constabulary volunteers recognised in New Year Honours List

Two dedicated Hertfordshire Constabulary ‘volunteers’ have been recognised for their outstanding sense of community service in the New Year Honours List.

Former Police Chaplain Kerry-Anne Cooper and Special Chief Inspector Ron McMurdie have been awarded with MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for their inspirational work.

For the best part of five decades Ron has supported frontline policing, consistently giving more than 30 hours of his free time each month. Joining in 1978, he patrolled Watford and, post promotion to Special Sergeant, moved to Rickmansworth. Further promotion to Inspector came in 1982 and Ron became a Special Chief Inspector in March 2018.

Ron, a mechanical engineer, hung up his uniform in September 2024 and now is a Police Support Volunteer, providing vital support in terms of training and development for the Special Constabulary in Hertfordshire. His work also ensures that special officers have access to the right support if they have been involved in serious incidents or have been injured whilst on duty.

Modest about his award, Ron said: “I feel a bit overwhelmed with the news. For me it’s always been about working with other special colleagues and enjoying great teamwork.”

He reflected: “Volunteering with the Specials is all so different now. The standard of equipment has also really improved along with better staff protection training. Specials are considered to be part of everyday policing and not just at weekends or in times of need, so we feel very much part of the entire Hertfordshire police family.”

Former force chaplain Kerry-Anne Cooper is being recognised for her outstanding contribution to charity. She has raised an astonishing £800k through donations to secure a town centre premises to set up and develop The Liberty Tea Rooms & Community Hub charity which provides a safe haven for vulnerable people.

Kerry-Anne became a police chaplain in 2019 and provided consistent pastoral support to officers and staff until she left the force in November this year. Naturally caring and empathetic, Kerry-Anne was a hugely popular volunteer. A recent house move to Lincolnshire with husband Owen has prompted her to leave the force having made such a huge impression.

The tearoom itself has become an important community hub in Hemel Hempstead. Mindful of the inequalities linked with poverty and low income, Kerry-Anne has operated a voluntary payment scheme which makes a huge difference to the most financially vulnerable. In the café, she has provided free life skills and in-depth counselling services. The initiative is supported by 90 volunteers, many of whom have vulnerabilities or learning needs themselves. Over the years Kerry-Anne has worked with local colleges, job centres and homeless shelters in a drive to improve the quality of life for disadvantaged people.

Kerry-Anne said: “I was blown away by the news when the letter came through. This award is recognition not just for me but all the hard-working volunteers and individuals who have made the tearoom and our associated activities so successful. I also loved being a police chaplain and met so many wonderful people as part of my work. I feel really honoured and plan to continue my work at Liberty Tea Rooms into the future.”

Incoming Chief Constable Andy Prophet said: “The achievements of both Ron and Kerry-Anne are nothing short of amazing. Their hard work, compassion and sense of duty are a shining example to us all. They are so deserving of the recognition that has been bestowed upon them.”