Volunteer officer who had to learn to walk again after injury returns to duty

A volunteer police officer who had to learn to walk again after an on-duty injury has returned to work and has been recognised with an award.

Dozens of officers who serve with Nottinghamshire Police’s Special Constabulary were honoured for their commitment and dedication at a King’s Coronation medal and long service awards on July 22.

Special Sergeant Wayne Cliff, who volunteers with the roads policing unit, joined Nottinghamshire Police 33 years ago and has been awarded a King’s Coronation medal.

“It means a lot to be a special,” Special Sergeant Cliff said. “33 years of volunteering isn’t something that you take lightly. It has a huge impact on your personal life and your family, but for me, it’s about giving something back.”

Around 17 months ago, Special Sergeant Cliff was involved in a pursuit of a vehicle that failed to stop, ultimately losing control and crashing. The offenders made off on foot into a nearby woodland.

They were pursued on foot by officers and Special Sergeant Cliff, who fell and detached his quadricep muscles and tendons from both knees and required emergency surgery.

He spent eight days on a trauma ward, was left bedbound for four months, and had to learn to walk again.

Now, thanks to intense rehab and physiotherapy, Special Sergeant Cliff is making tremendous progress toward recovery. He has returned to duty, with the hope of returning to frontline policing later this year.

He said: “Like in most professions there are risks, and in policing there’s a greater risk because of the type of incidents you’re dealing with. You’ve got to have the trust and confidence in the people you’re working with, the equipment you’re given, and in yourself.

“Yes, I’ve recently had a serious injury on duty, but that’s part and parcel of it. But that’s made me want to come back.

“Most people say to me ‘well after the injury that I’ve had, being hospitalised, having to learn to walk again, and 17 months on still having to go through rehab and recovery, why would you continue to do that?’ And that’s a good question.

“For me it gives me a goal and a sense and a purpose. Having volunteered for 33 years and doing something that you’ve always enjoyed, working with people, and giving back to the community. I think if I stop that, that’s a big part of my life that I’ve lost.

“I’m very mindful of the impact on my family, but they are so supportive of me, and I wouldn’t be doing this today if they weren’t supportive.”

Special Sergeant Cliff added: “Reflection is something I try not to do too much. As far as I’m concerned, I’m on a journey and I’m in my 34th year of that journey.

“Being awarded the King’s Coronation medal is a fantastic achievement to receive. It’s a great privilege to not only receive this commendation but to also receive this award from the Chief amongst my peers and colleagues.”

The awards ceremony recognised almost 50 officers who have displayed unwavering loyalty and professionalism throughout their service with the force.

Each commendation reflects the hard work of officers, who have achieved three, five, and seven years of service, with a King’s Coronation medal also presented to those who have achieved five full calendar years of service as of May 2023.

The evening opened with an address from Chief Constable Kate Meynell, who presented each award and thanked officers, friends and family for their dedicated service and ongoing support respectively.

A Special Constable has the same powers, uniform, and responsibilities as a police officer, but they work voluntarily.

An additional career with the special constabulary often means that officers will work full-time careers and volunteer their spare time in the evenings and weekends for the force.

The Special Constabulary are part of the force’s Prevention Hub, which is a collaboration between multiple force departments responsible for developing and delivering strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county.

Special Constable Jo Timpson, who is in her eighth year of service and also works in an NHS administration role, joined the force after attending a recruitment roadshow in Retford.

Having lived in a rural village all her life, SC Timpson knows how crime affects outlying communities and says it is a privilege to protect rural communities and create a safer environment.

“I just fancied a challenge and something different from my day job,” SC Timpson said. “Being able to give back to my community, if I could do some good, could help – that’s why I joined.”

She added: “It’s a privilege to be a special. I get to meet fantastic people from all walks of life every day and every shift is different.

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside a lot of specialist teams and departments, which stands out to me. I’ve enjoyed the diversity of the teams, learning from different people, and seeing how they all work.”

After receiving her seven-year long service award and King’s Coronation medal, SC Timpson said: “I’m very proud to receive this recognition. I don’t conduct this role to receive awards, but it is nice to be thanked and thought of.”

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “I am so proud of the hard work and dedication that our Special Constabulary demonstrate every day. They face challenges and incidents that most will never encounter, and they do this with professionalism, compassion, and courage in the face of danger.

“We have recognised those who have been working for our force the longest and have exemplified unwavering loyalty and professionalism throughout their service.

“I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all our officers for their service to Nottinghamshire Police.”