A community policeman from Bicester is to receive an award from Thames Valley Police.
Pc Matt Jenkins
Pc Matt Jenkins has qualified for his 22 years' service medal -- but has asked for the presentation to take place next spring so his parents-in-law, who live in New Zealand, can attend.
Pc Jenkins, 42, joined the force in 1978 and served in Oxford and Headington.
In 1991 he took a career break and travelled in South America for a year.
His adventure included being hauled off a bus and held at gunpoint in El Salvador.
He said he had to spend two hours spreadeagled on a veranda.
On his return to England a year later he transferred to Bicester and is now the community beat officer for the town centre.
Pc Jenkins, who is due to become a father in September, also visits children in the town's primary schools and nurseries to give talks about safety.
He said: "I often read a story to the nursery children. I enjoy working in the town and mixing with people in the community.
"The people in Bicester are very friendly and very positive towards me."
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