An RAF Warrant Officer has been recognised for his exemplary and distinguished service both to the Royal Air Force and to the community.

Warrant Officer Tam McBride, 48, from Ayrshire, is a member of the RAF Police, and currently serves as Unit Warrant Officer at D Flight RAF SIB RAF Specialist Police Wing in Rheindahlen Military Complex.  He has recently been singled out for the award of the Meritorious Service Medal for the enormous contribution he has made over his long career.

Tam joined the RAF Police in 1979 and since then, according to his citation: “his conduct, professionalism and dedication to duty have been of the highest order throughout the full span of his 30 year career”.

Described as “an exceptionally loyal individual, proud of the traditions of the RAF and the heritage of the RAF Police”, Tam has served in a myriad of appointments both in UK and abroad, from Lossiemouth to Laarbruch and Scampton to St Athan.

In both general and specialist policing duties in these various appointments, Tam's positive impact has been enormous, both as an efficient and resourceful manager and as consummate team worker.

On promotion to Warrant Officer, Tam moved to RAF Provost and Security Services (Scotland) where he was pivotal in its successful relocation to a RN unit while maintaining operational efficiency. Other challenges during this time saw him oversee the Police Honour Guard at the Edinburgh Tattoo, and deploy to Iraq to help rebuild the Iraqi Police Force.

On the sporting and charity fronts, Tam has been equally energetic, according to his citation. Running events have included leukaemia charity fundraising, among them support to the Albrighton Freewheelers and the Munze Children’s Home.

Numerous other secondary duties have taken in Families Club Committees, and Chairing Station Rugby League and Motorcycle Clubs.