Winners of Nottinghamshire Police Force Awards announced
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Nottinghamshire’s policing heroes took centre stage as the annual Force Awards were held this week.
Dozens of police officers and staff were recognised for fighting crime, protecting vulnerable people and working to ensure communities feel safe and listened to.
This year’s awards were held over two nights at Nottinghamshire Police’s headquarters (May 7 and 8), with proud families and VIP guests in attendance.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell (below) opened both ceremonies and paid tribute to those receiving recognition, hailing their commitment to serving with pride, compassion and integrity.
Full details about the winners and finalists are available in the event programmes, which can be downloaded at the bottom of this article.
The winners include:
- Ged Walker Award – PC Chris Duffy
For outstanding bravery and professionalism when subjected to a brutal and unprovoked attack whilst performing his duty as a police officer.
- The Barnes and Willetts Award – PC Laura Phillips
For making an exceptional contribution to neighbourhood policing, including working effectively with partner agencies to tackle and reduce ASB, drug use and serious violence in The Arboretum area of Nottingham.
- The Christopher McDonald Police Cadet Award – Luke Aitken
For being a keen cadet whose attendance is among the best in Nottinghamshire, whilst dedicating additional time representing the force at various events alongside the High Sheriff.
- Detention Officer of the Year (Maurice Rigley Award) – DO Sam Stevens
For going above and beyond to ensure a safe and effective custody environment whilst demonstrating a true belief in teamwork and positivity.
- Community Engagement Award – PS Robert Harrison
For fostering positive police and community relationships, including playing a pivotal role in the successful rehabilitation of youngsters involved in anti-social behaviour.
- Investigation of the Year – Operation Snowdrift
For undertaking meticulous and detailed work to ensure two violent offenders were quickly identified, apprehended and convicted, resulting in significant prison sentences.
- Investigator of the Year – DC Sean Osborn
For displaying excellent investigative skills, including personal and professional resilience, along with the use of innovative methods of investigation and the appropriate identification and support of victims and witnesses.
- Lifetime Achievement Award (1) – DC Paula Wilson
For working tirelessly on multiple long, complicated and protracted child abuse enquiries over 18 years in order to successfully convict numerous offenders and safeguard children.
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2) – Heidi Duffy MBE
For helping reduce casualties by leading on a plethora of road safety initiatives – including the multi-national Fatal Four campaign – in a career spanning a number of decades.
- Officer of the Year – PC Ryan Frew-McGill
For displaying great resilience, determination, adaptability and personal responsibility in delivering the force’s ‘Proud to Serve’ pledge, including successfully obtaining multiple Closure Order notices for properties that had become a magnet for drug-related crime.
- Outstanding Contribution – Sophie Barker
For consistently exceeding expectations and being a role model to colleagues, including tackling complex problems and finding innovative ways to overcome issues.
- PCSO of the Year – Allan Cooke
For adding value to policing in the Gedling area through listening to, recording and solving community issues, while developing good working relationships within the community.
- Special Constable of the Year – Sp Sgt Ryan Calvert
For making a positive contribution to the community and to policing, as well as demonstrating a firm commitment and dedication to the role.
- Police Staff of the Year – Chris Morris-Buck
For impressing colleagues with his understanding of a specialist and complex area of work, while taking a leading role in designing and delivering a number of emergency planning training packages to our workforce.
- Student Officer of the Year – PC Ethan Forwell
For excelling throughout his probationary period and demonstrating the highest standards in knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes.
- Sustained Excellence Award – DBS Unit
For consistently being graded as outstanding in every compliance assessment over a period spanning six years.
- Team of the Year – Front Counter team
For showing professionalism and strength of character to keep counters open amid staffing shortages.
- Volunteer of the Year – Ameera Kareen and Wafa Marouf
For their commitment and dedication to assisting the force with engaging with a diverse range of communities, including attending community events such as Diwali celebrations and Kurdish Independence Day.
- Coroner’s Award – Detective Inspector Kate Savage
Kate has received the Coroner’s Award for her outstanding dedication to go above and beyond the call of duty to His Majesty’s Coroner’s Service.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell said:
“I would like to congratulate all of this year’s nominees and winners and to show my appreciation for their exceptional public service and hard work.
“I’m incredibly proud and humbled to hear the amazing dedication, commitment and outstanding service of our staff, officers and volunteers whose contribution to Nottinghamshire Police and local communities is truly inspiring.
“We have made a firm commitment to serving with pride, compassion and integrity in everything we do, and I’m delighted that these awards have recognised some of the great work we’re doing as a force.
“The work highlighted in these awards demonstrates the commitment and diligence of our officers, staff and partners.
“The recipients should all be proud of their achievements and the difference they have made to our communities.
“I’d like to personally thank each and every one of them for their actions and contribution to Nottinghamshire Police and the communities we’re proud to serve.”
A series of media releases detailing the inspiring stories of some of this year’s winners will be published over the coming days.