Two from BTP recognised in the New Year’s Honours list

Two members of British Transport Police (BTP) staff have been recognised with honours in The King’s annual New Year’s Honours list. 

PCSO Thomas Gilmour, based in Preston, and Station Support Officer Marion Dudgeon, based in Newcastle, were each awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM). 

Thomas, a School Liaison Officer, was nominated for his outstanding efforts to promote railway safety as well as his substantial charity work. 

Last year he took on the monumental task of educating nearly 30,000 young people across Greater Manchester about railway safety – a significant increase in the average 25,000 per year he has spoken to in his eight years in the role. 

His engaging school sessions have been widely praised by teachers and students for helping children understand railway safety. 

In addition, he has launched an abandoned bicycle re-distribution scheme in partnership with a cycle charity, as well as spearheading a scheme to send stationary to children in Malawi. 

In 2025 Thomas was awarded the Greater Manchester Community Hero Award, and he furthers his efforts to keep young people safe with fire, water and road safety advice as a volunteer with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. 

Marion Dudgeon started her policing career in 1980 and has been recognised for 45 years of dedicated service while continuing to inspire colleagues today.  

Her early achievements included helping plan the first Great North Run in 1981 and contributing to Sunderland’s Safer Cities programme, which launched innovative crime prevention projects for young people.  

In 1994, Marion joined BTP as manager of the Area Justice Unit, earning respect for her meticulous approach to criminal justice. She personally reviewed 1,000 witness statements after the Selby train crash in 2001 as part of the welfare process for her team. 

Returning to BTP in 2017, she continues to mentor colleagues and support major operational changes, cementing her reputation as a trusted and influential figure. 

A colleague said of Marion: “She is truly the beating heart of our station. Her knowledge, care, and commitment inspire us all.” 

Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi said: “Thomas’s passion makes him a fantastic example of what it means to be a PCSO, and he is a true credit to BTP. It is humbling to see someone dedicate so much of their time to supporting charity work. 

"Marion’s contributions have shaped policing in the north east, strengthened the criminal justice system, and supported countless colleagues and communities. 

“The respect and admiration their colleagues have for them can’t be underestimated and make them a credit to our force.” 

Thomas said: “I feel honoured and privileged to receive this level of recognition for services to railway safety. Being able to make a positive contribution both locally and internationally that will have a lasting impact on communities.  

“You can never put statistics on how many lives you save by doing these talks, but I'm sure it does save lives, and that's job satisfaction at its highest.  

"I just try to be a decent human being every day. Any individual can make the world a better place, and every small act of kindness and selflessness makes the world just that little bit better to live in." 

On receiving her honour, Marion said: " I was shocked, delighted and honoured to receive this nomination and I had to re-read the letter several times before I believed the content. 

“As I am nearing the end of my policing career, this really is the icing on the cake of a fantastic career in policing during which time I have worked and continue to work with some amazing people, some no longer with us, and I have been given some fantastic opportunities to expand my experience and knowledge. Thank you to everyone for supporting and believing in me over the last 45 years.”