Andreas Pitsillidis, a Veteran Police Officer of the British Base of Dhekelia, was honored by Queen Elizabeth of England.
A written announcement of the Bases states that "Officer Andreas Pitsillidis was awarded the Overseas Territory Police Medal in the list of New Year's Honors of the Queen of England. The award, which was the only one of its kind awarded this year in all overseas territories, recognizes the three decades of "decent service" of Officer Pitsillidis after his joining the Force in 1987 ".
It is added that "at the age of 52, Mr. Pitsillidis was promoted having served in many different positions in Dhekelia as well as in Episkopi and Akrotiri. "The Officer has already been awarded five Commendations by the Chief of Police and one Commendation from the Commander of the British Bases (CBF) for outstanding police work."
According to the written announcement, "Officer Pitsillidis stated that" the award was a big surprise for me and I feel very honored. "I always believed that if you work hard your efforts will be recognized and the awarding of this award is proof", he said, adding that he feels "very privileged" to receive this award and noted that "the fact that the management chain feels that I deserve it, it makes it very special ".
He added: "I always felt I could work to help create a better society and the idea of being a police officer was really appealing to me when I started, because it would allow me to work towards that goal. "I think being a police officer is a great job and for me it was attractive to work and apply a fair code of conduct, with integrity and with the right principles and values."
The announcement also states that "Mr. Pitsillidis said that we have established very close relations with the Communities we serve and this has not only facilitated our work, but has made it more successful. "As a police force we have developed professionally and we have evolved significantly for the better," he said, noting that "my professional standards will never change. "I still believe in the right principles and values that made me register with the Police 30 years ago and I believe that they continue to be as relevant and important as they have always been."
Source: KYPE