Squadron Leader Graham Dodds, Regional Media & Communications Officer for Scotland & Northern Ireland Region RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC), has been awarded an MBE.
The Omagh-based RAFAC Senior Officer (pictured) has been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen for services to the community in Northern Ireland.
Squadron Leader Dodds commanded the Omagh and Fermanagh RAF Cadets between 2014 and 2021 before moving on to the role of Media and Communications Officer for Scotland and Northern Ireland RAFAC. He has also served as a police officer for 24 years and is currently Head of Road Policing for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. His previous police service has included the Metropolitan Police in London, district policing postings in Ballygawley, Dungannon, Castlederg, Strabane, Enniskillen and Omagh as well as two periods as commander of the specialist Tactical Support Group.
Charity and voluntary work has been a central interest for Sqn Ldr Dodds. He has been actively involved in supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund, Combat Stress, Óglaigh Náisiúnta Na hÉireann (The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel) and the Royal British Legion. He was recently honoured with the British Citizen Award ‘Medal of Honour’ for his many efforts to support local communities and focus on improving community relations.
Commenting on his honour, Sqn Ldr Dodds said: “I am humbled and delighted to receive this honour from Her Majesty the Queen. It has been my privilege to serve Her Majesty and many communities in my police and RAF roles.”
He added: “I have been particularly focused on improving cross-community and cross-border relations. This honour is shared with all those that have supported my efforts and generously given of their time to help me make our communities better.
“In particular, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Flying Officer Conchubar McHugh and Pilot Officer Kathy McHugh of Omagh Squadron for the fantastic support, dedication and friendship that has made my RAFAC community relations work possible.
“Finally, I wish to thank my wife, Nicola, and sons, Ethan and Alexander, for their support to me in both my PSNI and RAFAC roles. I could not have succeeded in either role without their understanding for and kindness to me.”
Sqn Ldr Dodds will receive his MBE at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace later in the year.
