Three New Year Honours have come to policing in Northern Ireland.

Three police officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland have been recognised in the New Year Honours list 2026, for their services to policing and the community.

King’s Police Medals (KPM) have been awarded to Superintendent Robert McGowan, Chief Inspector John Sayers and retired Sergeant Sharon Cromie.

KPM - Superintendent Robert McGowan
Superintendent Robert McGowan has over 28 years’ service and has worked across many departments in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. He recently served as District Commander responsible for Fermanagh and Omagh.

KPM - Chief Inspector John Sayers
Chief Inspector John Sayers has served in the Police Service of Northern Ireland for 29 years, and is Head of the Tactical Training Faculty within the Police College at Garnerville.

KPM - Retired Sergeant Sharon Cromie
Retired Sergeant Sharon Cromie served in the Police Service of Northern Ireland for 32 years. Sergeant Cromie’s most recent role before her retirement was Event and Operations Planner for Belfast District, where she was involved in some of the most high profile events which have been hosted in Northern Ireland.

Commenting, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “I am incredibly proud to see these exceptional officers recognised through the New Year Honours list.

“This is a reward for the unwavering dedication and commitment to protecting our communities that each recipient has shown through their decades of exemplary service.

“Each recipient exemplifies the very best of the Police Service, and I am exceptionally proud of them and their contribution to policing in Northern Ireland and beyond.

“On behalf of the entire organisation I offer my congratulations to each of the recipients and their families.”