Exmouth police worker gets MBE

Lindy Woodage to receive medal

An Exmouth woman is starting 2021 as a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire - or an MBE - for her work in the police service.

Lindy Woodage, a staff officer with Devon and Cornwall Police recevies the honour in recognition for services to policing and civil contingency planning, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.

MS Woodgate says: “I’m absolutely delighted, this has come as a real surprise. Behind every individual who receives an honour there is a whole team of people. I couldn’t do my job without the amazing people I work with. 

“It’s been an incredibly challenging year; we’ve had to work really quickly and respond at speed to various changes in guidance and regulations. I feel privileged to work for the police service, love what I do, and it is a great honour to be recognised.”

Lindy works alongside the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for civil contingencies, deputy chief constable Paul Netherton, who received an OBE six months ago. Their work involves co-ordinating police involvement with partners and ensures guidance and good practice is promoted throughout the country. It includes providing assistance to forces in planning and responding to major emergencies. :

Lindy, a former radio operator and event planner with Devon and Cornwall Police, has previously worked on major flooding incidents and the Salisbury poisonings in her civil contingencies role.

DCC Netherton OBE said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the hard work and dedication that Lindy has put in over the last year with Covid, and for many years supporting civil contingencies and policing across the UK, has been recognised in this New Year’s Honours list.

“She is known by police forces and by partners and the Government for all she does to support the UK in times of crisis and this award is richly deserved.”