Burnham-on-Crouch marine police officer awarded BEM

Dawn Wood, a police officer with Essex Police's marine unit, was delighted to be awarded the British Empire Medal.

She has built relationships between the police and marine community along the Essex coast and is widely respected for her conservation work and her incredible achievements as an endurance athlete.

Two years ago, she completed a solo tour across the Atlantic to raise awareness of the problem of plastic pollution in the oceans.

She recorded the second fastest time by a woman to cross the Atlantic in February 2019 when she completed the 3,000 mile journey from the Canary Islands to Barbados in 53 days.

Battling raging seas and howling winds, PC Wood raised more than £20,000 and was later named Fundraiser of the Year by the Marine Conservation Society.

She also visited more than 50 schools and community groups to share her inspiring story and promote environmental protection and awareness of plastic pollution.

PC Wood said: “I had to read the letter three or four times – I couldn’t believe it.

“I thought the medal would only be for the individual, but to be recognized for the work I have done in the Maritime Police is just incredible.”

“Normally I’m not at a loss for words, but this time I was at a loss for words.”

In 2023, she hopes to accomplish another incredible charity feat as part of a four-person team rowing the Pacific from San Francisco to Hawaii.