Iraq medal for Brighton police inspector

A Brighton police officer has been presented with the Iraq Reconstruction Medal.

Inspector Alan Costello was presented with the medal at a long service and good conduct ceremony.

He also collected a certificate of service and a general certificate of appreciation in recognition of his work in Basra in Iraq and for his time with Sussex Police.

Inspector Costello, who is based in Brighton, applied to work abroad with the International Police Secondments Team in September 2007.

He was offered a post with the civilian police mission in Basra in charge of operations and military liaison. He spent 15 months there.

After completing a firearms course, hostile environment training and a stringent medical examination, Inspector Costello joined a team of eight officers in Basra in March last year.

His main roles included military liaison with the multi-national forces and being principal adviser to the Iraqi police on improving community engagement strategies.

Inspector Costello said that his time in Iraq was the most challenging, rewarding and stimulating professional experience of his life.

He paid tribute to the bravery and professionalism of the British military forces in Iraq, without whom his work there would not have been possible.

Inspector Costello is due to retire from Sussex Police next February after 30 years’ service.

He was one of 41 officers to collect awards in the ceremony at Slaugham Manor, just off the A23 to the south of Crawley.