In the New Year Honours List for 2016, Her Majesty the Queen has awarded David Thomas, as president of Safe Communities Portugal, the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of his “services to crime prevention and awareness within the British and international community in Portugal”.
Safe Communities Portugal was registered as an association in December 2014, having been developed from Safe Communities Algarve which was formed two years earlier. It works with the international communities in Portugal helping to maintain the country as a safe place to live and visit.
David Thomas told us: “It is a great honour to receive this award. This, however, would not have been possible without the tremendous support from the community, as well as all the officials in the police, civil protection, other government departments, tourist boards, the Embassies and Consulates, the media and many other entities with whom Safe Communities Portugal has the pleasure to work.”
He added: “It is always challenging to implement something new, that is needed and which helps the community, as well as gaining support from the government. To be able to achieve this, working with and meeting great people makes it all the more rewarding. The award therefore reflects these collective efforts.”
Photo: OPEN MEDIA GROUP
