Praise has poured in for police officers from members of the public for their dedication and professionalism in the run up to, and on the day of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral.
More than 10,000 officers were deployed from across England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and of course The Isle of Man for the biggest security operation the country has ever seen.
“Thank you ALL for your amazing work these last 10 days. To every police service that attended. Thank you,” one member of the public wrote on the Twitter account of the PFEW Twitter.
“We are very grateful for each day you go to work to protect us! We just don’t say it often enough! Thank you #ThinBlueLine.”
“Well done to the Bearer Party and all the military and police, both the ones seen and behind the scenes. Thank you for your due diligence and professionalism, you did Her Majesty proud,” another pair added.
The support was also felt by police officers on the ground on the day:
“Something that should stick long in our memories, is the reaction to police officers working hard by the general public. Smiles, cheers and applause. There are a minority that detest us, the majority support and believe in us. Remember that. #ThinBlueLine,” Brick Cop commented.
To assist officers working long hours, Police Federation of England and Wales reps attended in welfare vans to support officers with refreshments when they were able to have a break.
For officers standing on scene for several hours with nowhere to go, reps were also handing out drinks and snacks down the lines.
Sgt Barry HAND posted on his PFIOM Facebook post :
"The team are doing us extremely proud , working very long hours everyday, and thoroughly relishing the opportunity and experience".
Insp Gavin CALLOW added :
"What an amazing experience! Doing us all proud! Keep up with the pics when possible!"
“PFIOM would like to offer its sincere thanks and gratitude to all police officers who were involved in this historic policing operation"
PFEW Wellbeing Lead Belinda Goodwin said: "The positive impact of just reaching out and offering drinks and snacks to officers has been immense - it makes them feel wanted and appreciated. We need more of this within our forces, if you give a little back you will have a happier and motivated workforce.