The Diocese of Lichfield is celebrating after two of its church people made it onto the New Year's Honours list.
The Rev John Davis is the voluntary curate of Berkswich in Stafford and officiating chaplain at MOD Stafford.After retiring from 30 years with the police, Rev Davis was ordained as a priest in the Church of England. During his time as a policeman, his service to the community was acknowledged when in 1990 he was named Community Police Officer of the year.
He continues to work as a volunteer caseworker and is County Secretary for SSAFA in Staffordshire, a charity that cares for the needs of ex-service men and women.
Rev Davis is also the current county chairman of St John Ambulance, with which he has been involved for many years.
He spoke of his surprise at receiving his Honour.
"This is an unexpected and very pleasant surprise," he said. "When I opened the letter telling of the award six weeks ago, I couldn't believe it.
"All I have tried to do over the years is to put something back into the community, most of us are able to do that, and if people do, it can make such a difference to so many people.
"I have been blessed in that my wife Sue, and all my family have supported me over the years in all my endeavours, and this award is as much theirs as mine".
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill, congratulated Rev Davis on his achievement: "This is great news for John Davis, for the police with whom he has so faithfully served for 30 years, for the voluntary organisations he has supported and led and for the Church of England where he now ministers as a volunteer priest. The Diocese of Lichfield sends its warmest congratulations."
