| Citation: | Queens Birthday Honours. 24625250 Corporal Richard John Downes, RMP, General Police Duties. 11 Aug 84 - 9 Sept 87.Citation: Corporal Downes has served with the Herford Detachment of 114 Provost Company RMP for three years throughout which he has been employed as the Police Office NCO. His job involves the processing and checking of all police reports, the maintenance of case files and their distribution to the disciplinary authorities within Herford and Hameln Garrisons. Both are busy locations with limited RMP manpower in which Corporal Downes in addition to his own police office tasks taken on responsibility for crime prevention and road safety. These have been duties over and above those required by his normal employment and have demanded such greater commitment than that expected from an NCO of his rank and experience. In the field of road safety and crime prevention Corporal Downes has been tirelessly committed to the good of young people within the Herford Garrison. He has cultivated the trust and loyalty of many children in the regular road safety and crime prevention courses which h has run in four separate military Schools. As a teacher of crime prevention he has shown great enthusiasm and determination in his self scripted plays and demonstrations on the theme of "Don't go with Strangers". The great success he has had in presenting this to children had undoubtedly enhanced their safety within the military community. Corporal Downes is a talented German speaker and has used hit facility to develop the liaison between the Military Police and the German Civil Police, Fire service and local authorities. he is trusted and respected by the German community and has used his linguistic ability to establish strong ties between the your of the Garrison and the local population. Many of his activities in connection with the education of children have demanded that he give of his free time. Throughout his three years at Herford Corporal Downes has done so willingly, spending much time out of working hours with local children's groups. Since April 1985, he has been the Scout Leader in charge of the Herford Cub Scout pack. under his enthusiastic guidance the pack has flourished, now numbering some 30 children. he is a fully qualified Scout Leader instructing in the evenings within the Garrison and running field camps at the weekends in the summer months. Corporal Downes is a deeply committed Christian and has since April 1986 been the Garrison Sunday School Superintendent. he has responsibility for 6 other teachers and over 30 children. he has created a welcoming atmosphere by his enlightened instruction and had gained the respect and confidence of both children and parents. Corporal Downes has excelled as a Military Policeman carrying much greater responsibility than that normally expected of his rank. In addition, and in his own time he has been tirelessly committed to the good of young people within the Garrison. The standard of Corporal Downes' service both on and off duty deserved the highest recognition.Recommended by: Maj. OC 114 Pro Coy. Maj. Gen. Commanding 4 Armd Div. Lt. Gen. Comd 1 (BR) Corps. Gen. Commander in Chief, BAOR. |
