Retired Milton Keynes police officer says award ‘means everything’

A retired police officer says being recognised for his work in his community “means everything”.

Albert Bernard was the first black police officer to serve 30 years for Thames Valley Police in Milton Keynes.

The Milton Keynes, Bucks, Beds & Northants Black Excellence Awards took place on Friday honouring people who had made exceptional contributions across industries.

Mr Bernard, who won a lifetime achievement award, said: “Being a black face in a predominately white organisation at the time and completing 30 years is something I am extremely proud of.”

The event aimed to inspire collaboration and progress in the city and surrounding areas.

Nana Ama Ofori-Atta, organiser of the event, said about 200 people attended the the awards ceremony – now in its fourth year.

She said there were 12 categories including Unsung Hero, Community Leader of the Year and the Black-led Organisation Making a Difference.

“It matters to me that I raise a different mirror to black presence to say ‘you matter’ and you are doing an excellent job, and we see you,” she said.

Mr Bernard joined the force in the 1980s, having always wanted to be a public servant.

“I was working in a shop where we had police officers come in and speaking to the them kind of sowed the seed in my mind,” he said.

“The rest was history.”

He led a neighbourhood policing team on the Lakes Estate from 1994 until retirement in 2014.

The ceremony at Wilton Hall recognised individuals, organisations, and community groups.

Lena Barnes was the first black dance teacher in Milton Keynes and said when she moved to the area she felt like she “had to prove” herself.

“When I first moved to Milton Keynes I really did not see any black people at all,” said Ms Barnes.

“I went into youth clubs and started working with the council and started doing classes and entering competitions.”

She was also awarded the lifetime achievement award and said she was “so honoured” to be recognised after years of working with the community.