Okehampton's Inspector 'Tatty' Mackenize-Clarke honoured by force

Okehampton's Inspector Tanya Mackenzie-Clarke has been honoured by Devon and Cornwall police for her long service and good conduct in a special award ceremony that took place September 19.

Inspector Mackenzie-Clarke was one of just twelve police officers and staff to be recognised for their contribution to Devon and Cornwall police.

The officer joined the force in 1990. She has served as a response officer, community bobby, community safety sergeant and in custody as a sergeant and inspector. In her current role as the Force Police Support Unit and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) inspector she is held in high regard by her team. 

A force to be reckoned with, the officer achieved a 2nd degree black belt in Taiho-Jitsu in 1992. She was British Ultra Marathon champion in 2009 and took part in a 176-mile run over six days in 2008. She has also completed two 200 charity rides.

She is described by various supervisors as having a 'bubbly personality, quick sense of humour, caring and compassionate disposition and someone never to shy away from an issue'.

Her nickname, Tatty, has stayed with her throughout her service. It is not, as she is quick to point out, because of her appearance, but because her name is short for the Russian name Tatiana.