I join the many others to trot out the clichés of the new year being a time to reflect on the past twelve months and to look forward to future prospects. Often dismissed and ridiculed I often find the New Year’s honour’s list a good place to start. It focuses my mind on the people, not just the events of the last year. Beyond the usual round of celebrities and household names – not that they should be considered undeserving simply for having notoriety – are hundreds of people who are recognised each year for their generosity and public service.
Of course, these are just a snapshot of the thousands who contribute to our society day in, day out. 2017 has been marked by a heightened terrorist threat and that has brought to the fore the sacrifice and commitment from police officers and staff who do so much to protect us all. Thankfully terrorist incidents are still very rare but the work that the police do to keep the public safe continues twenty-four hours a day seven days week and there are daily examples of personal bravery and dedication that don’t make the headlines. 2017 has sadly seen two police officers from Thames Valley, PC Gareth Browning and PC James Dixon pay the ultimate sacrifice in the line duty. Their loss will be felt not only be their families but also the communities they served.
I could write pages about the wider prospects for 2018. The projects to be completed, the work of Thames Valley Police, the improvements in public services planned for the Vale of White Horse are all important. Brexit could fill another chapter. Yet the important thing to remember is the lives of individuals. Individuals that people like me seek to serve, but more importantly to remember people like Gareth Browning and James Dixon and the countless other who make real sacrifices, large and small, for the benefit of their fellow human beings. Thank you to all of them and a happy new year.