12-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Garnant man receives royal award after 25 years of service
Mr Alan Jones was recruited by the Home Office and attached to His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, assisting 7 HMIs with their duty's country wide.
This came after Mr Jones was a police officer for 33 years, joining Birmingham City Police after he left school and progressing from bikes, firearms and then ending up on the special branch.
Mr Jones served the home office for 25 years and was a police officer for 33 years. (Image: Alan Jones) Mr Jones said: 'It has taken me by surprise. I retired and I knew nothing about it before that medal came through the post. But it goes to the King first who approves the award and then gets sent off.
'This came out of the blue. The people who I used to work said they had never heard of such an award. When you're in the force you usually get a medal after 22 years of service, if you have a record of good conduct.
'It was an interesting job working for the Home Office, making sure he or she got there in one piece. I was sent all over the UK.'
The medal was received in the post. (Image: Alan Jones) Mr Jones was born in Glanaman Hospital on July 9, 1945, and went to Garnant junior school before attending St Michael's School, Bryn, Llanelli.
His grandmother Elizabeth Jones lived until she was 102 years old and was cared for by her daughters Hannah and Nancy.
The award was an 'Imperial Service Medal.' (Image: Alan Jones) Mr Jones continued: 'My extended family are in Glanaman. I left when I was 17 years old and I never came back. But I still go there to see my relatives.
'Back then, to join the police force you had to speak Welsh. But I didn't, so I applied to become a police officer in Manchester and Birmingham. Birmingham got back to me first, so I decided to go there and have been there ever since.
HM The King gave the royal stamp of approval. (Image: Alan Jones) 'Being a police officer is still a really good job because you are serving the public. There is more pressure nowadays, yet if you can deal with you that, you can deal with anything.'
