A dedicated police officer who spent a decade campaigning for his late father's service to be recognised was surprised with a posthumous award in his honour.

Thetford-based response sergeant Mark Glister, 42, was receiving his own Long Service and Good Conduct award, following 22 years of service, when his mother, Alicia 'Bobbie' Knowles, 64, was presented with a special medal on her late husband's behalf.

Det Con Terry Glister was 43 when he was killed in a car accident while on duty in 1987. He was just nine months away from receiving his long service medal.

His son said although he had lobbied for 10 years, he had not been told the award would be presented.

'I wrote to MPs and I asked because his life had been taken short, not through any fault of his own or his colleagues,' he said. 'I asked for his care and his service to Norfolk to be recognised.

'It was a really proud moment because of my award and in particular my father's. Really, I have to thank the chief Constable, Phil Gormley, and those staff involved for recognising it and making it an extra special night for myself and my family.'

Det Con Glister died when the unmarked police car he was travelling in was hit by a breakdown lorry.

Sgt Glister, who is married with two children and based at Thetford police station, added: 'I think any personal tragedy to any family is saddening and I suppose out of the tragedy the positive was that it gave me a little bit of understanding of what some people go through.'

His father began his career as a village policeman before moving to Thetford for 14 years. Sgt Glister grew up in a police house before he joined the RAF police at the age of 18, and Norfolk Constabulary at 20.

He said things had changed during his time in the force. 'When I first joined we didn't have stab proof vests or batons or spray. I went out onto the beat in a good old-fashioned tunic with a wooden baton and a pair of flimsy cuffs.

'It's just moved forward with the times. I'm still as keen and loyal about my job as the day I joined. I still have the same motivation and the same care for how things impact on the community.'

To qualify for the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, police officers must have served 20 years, while Special Constabulary officers are honoured for nine years' 'willing and competent' voluntary service.

For each additional 10 years' service, specials receive a bar which is added to their medal.

For police staff, the constabulary has initiated its own award of a certificate for 20 years loyal service and cut glass for 45 years exceptional long service.

The event, on December 8 at The Great Hospital Halls in Norwich, was hosted by Chief Constable Phil Gormley and the medals and certificates were presented by Group Captain Rochelle, Station Commander RAF Marham.

Chief Constable Gormley said: 'This is a welcome opportunity to recognise the dedication shown by Norfolk's police officers and police staff over the years, and to thank them for all their commitment and hard work.

'We are also very grateful for the ongoing support of their family and friends. It was a great pleasure to have them attend this special occasion as well.'

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