In January exceptional members of the Metropolitan Police were recognised for their achievements and extraordinary service to the people of London, the United Kingdom and beyond.
These events are a fantastic way to showcase the bravery and dedication of the men and women who sign up to serve on the thin blue line.
One officer, in particular, to be recognised for his dedication to his duty was Acting Detective Sergeant Zac Idun who received his OBE for services to victims of London and international terrorist atrocities.
Last Thursday at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Zac received his prestigious medal.
Zac led the family liaison response following 2017’s London Bridge and Westminster attacks and in Sousse, Tunisia in 2015.
Family Liason Officers are specially trained officers who are dedicated to helping the families of those killed in tragic circumstances.
It’s a voluntary role for which officers are not paid any extra money.
Zac has supported hundreds of people during his distinguished career and has helped to shape Family Liaison both nationally and internationally.
Zac joined the Met in 1993, aged 30, having previously worked in banking and business.
Starting as a uniformed PC at Marylebone, he moved into detective work around 1996 and is now a leading expert in Family Liaison for those affected by terrorism.
Zac said:
“Most police officers will tell you they are just doing their job and I am no different, but receiving the OBE for services to policing brings home to me the significance of the role.
“During my time in family liaison and involvement in terrorist investigations, I have been truly humbled by the sheer courage and strength of the families and survivors we have assisted.
“I remain in awe of the many people we have supported who have suffered but survived the loss of the people dearest to them with both dignity and bravery.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the police officer I met at Peckham Police Station in 1993, who encouraged me to join ‘the job’.
“I was actually curious to join because I was cynical about the police, but that officer spoke so openly and enthusiastically about the role that I felt compelled to change my vocation.
“Twenty-five years on, I can say hand-on-heart that it has been one of the best decisions in my life.
“Policing has proven to be an incredibly rewarding, challenging and satisfying career.
“I would recommend it to anyone seeking to do something meaningful that can transform lives.”
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