Former Ivybridge police officer receives long-service award

Former Ivybridge PC Maria Conway has received a long-service award from Devon and Cornwall Police.

Maria, known as Mia to her teammates, joined Devon and Cornwall Police in October 1996, having worked at NatWest bank for eight years. She wanted a new challenge and volunteering as a Special Constable gave her the experience and skills to successfully gain a place at Cwmbran Police training.

She was posted to Ivybridge station and was there for three years, covering a vast patch including Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Mia was one of those rare officers that passed her sergeants exam in her probationary period and she also met newly-promoted Sergeant Sean Conway. A chance meeting on a night out led to their happy marriage in 1999.

"At this point, Mia was posted to Response at Crownhill, Plymouth but not long after in 2001 had passed her CID exam.

"During each of her three pregnancies, she worked in the coroners’ office, completing important work heard in the Coroners’ Court.

"In 2010, Mia returned to work from maternity leave, when Sean died unexpectedly. With three children all under the age of five, Mia took a five-year career break.

"In 2012, Mia and her family attended the opening of Ashburton Police Station, named ‘Conway House’ after Sean.

"At the end of her career break, in 2017, Mia returned to work at Crownhill in the Investigation and Resolution Centre.

"She is such a strong role model for both her children and new members of the team. Her can-do attitude and positive outlook on life are to be admired.

"Everyone ‘lights up’ when Mia is at work, and she is an absolute asset to the police force." 

Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell hosted two awards ceremonies at Powderham Castle to celebrate the long service of officers and staff and a leadership award, last week.

He was joined by Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Peter Ridgway, Deputy Lieutenant for Devon, as well as by colleagues and representatives from across the force, on Friday 4 March.

The citations for the morning ceremony were read by Chief Superintendent Neil Ralph and for the afternoon ceremony by Superintendent Jo Hall.

Photo: PC Maria Conway with Deputy Chief Constable Jim Colwell who presented the awards, alongside Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Peter Ridgway, Deputy Lieutenant for Devon.