THAMES Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Brendan O’Dowda has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in recognition of his distinguished service over the past 32 years.

He is the first South East Regional Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for Serious and Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism.

A former Oxford City Commander, Mr O’Dowda, 48, pictured, joined the police cadets aged 16 in 1982 and has served as a detective in every rank.

Mr O’Dowda served as the Oxford City Commander in the rank of Superintendent, and was Oxfordshire Basic Command Unit Commander in the rank of Chief Superintendent.

He lives in Kidlington and is married to Nichola, who recently retired from her post as executive assistant to Chief Constable Sara Thornton.

They have four children: Torran, Bryony, Jade and Callum.

Mr O’Dowda said: “I’m knocked out by this.

“All I have ever wanted to do since the age of 16, when I joined the cadets, was to protect the public, make a difference and lock up the bad guys.

“My wife Nichola has been my stalwart and my children have kept me grounded.

“I did my probation in Oxford so I have a big allegiance to Oxford city and I’m rooted in Oxfordshire.”

Witney Gazette:

  • Amanda Cooper, pictured above, Thames Valley Police’s Director of Information, Science and Technology, has been awarded the OBE for her services to policing in the region.

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