SOME of Hampshire Constabulary’s bravest officers were honoured at a ceremony to mark their outstanding service to the county.
At the latest Chief Constable’s Awards, members of the force were recognised for displaying exceptional courage and dedicated professionalism when faced with the most daunting of challenges.
Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney had the honour of celebrating the courage and commitment of officers and staff at a special ceremony in Netley.
From officers who were injured in the line of duty but defiantly fought on, to those who leapt into action when the unexpected happened - the ceremony demonstrated the lengths they would go to, to protect others.
Chief Constable Pinkney said: “Once again, I feel very proud that so many of our officers and staff are doing extraordinary things to help make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a safer place for everyone.“Whether on duty or not, these examples of exceptional courage and professionalism have proven that we are very lucky to have such men and woman working within our communities.”
She added: “This ceremony has also highlighted how dangerous the job of an officer can be and I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that assaults on officers or staff are not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We have people willing to go above and beyond for the protection of others - they should be celebrated and should not fear being physically or verbally abused while simply trying to do their job.”
Among the many awarded, included Southampton’s PCSO Luke Charmer. While out on patrol on January 30, he confronted an armed man who was holding a knife to a woman’s throat. Putting his own life at risk, PCSO Charmer disarmed and restrained the man.
Another recognised was PCSO Dalian Lacey, who despite being off duty rushed to save a man on the wrong side of the railings on the Redbridge flyover. Spending around 30 minutes talking to the 21-year-old, PCSO Lacey managed to get the man down, preventing him from causing serious harm to himself.
John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, added: “Policing is dangerous and unpredictable and we see acts of selfless bravery from our colleagues on a daily basis.
“It is so important that we recognise this bravery and allow the public to see the reality of what our officers and staff have to deal with.
“Officers and staff have put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, they have saved lives and some have been so viciously assaulted that they will bear the physical and mental scars for ever.
“Police officers and staff are a special kind of people, I am proud to work alongside them and it’s great to see them receiving the recognition they deserve.”
FULL LIST OF WINNERS:
Chief Constable Congratulations:
Sgt Richard Holland - Portsmouth
PC Steven Whyte - Joint Operations Unit
Chief Constable Commendations:
PCSO Luke Charmer - Southampton
PCSO Dalian Lacey - Southampton
PC Jordan Rolfe, PC Claire Proudfoot (did not attend), PC Lisa Jones and PCSO Vikki Cooper
PC Danielle Ruzewicz, Response and Patrol Fareham and PC Nicki Wisdom
PC Stuart McKane, PC Simon Reynolds and PC Amy Oliver
Police Officer Long Service and Good Conduct Medals 1996:
Sgt Joanne Nelson
PC Caroline Burton
DC Peter Miller
DC Salena Wynn
DS Francis Nelson
Sgt Mark Furse
Special Constable Anthony Saunders
Volunteer Long Service Certificates:
John Hughes
Roger Longcroft
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