Volunteer officer who had to learn to walk again after severe injuries is honoured at BBC awards

An inspirational volunteer police officer who had to learn to walk again after an on-duty injury has been honoured at a prestigious BBC Radio Nottingham awards ceremony.

Around 19 months ago, Special Sergeant Wayne Cliff, who volunteers with Nottinghamshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, 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 since returned to duty, with the hope of returning to frontline policing later this year.

His incredibly challenging road to recovery, along with his outstanding dedication and commitment to service, were recognised when he was selected as a finalist in the BBC Radio Nottingham Make a Difference Awards.

Special Sergeant Cliff, who was shortlisted in the bravery category, was among the finalists who attended the awards ceremony hosted in Nottingham on Friday (13 September). 

Although he narrowly missed out on winning the award, Special Sergeant Cliff said he was ‘humbled’ to have been selected as a finalist.

He said: “The event was fantastic. It was inspiring to learn that hundreds of applications had been received and to see the outstanding work undertaken in the community by all the finalists. 

“Just being shortlisted to the final three in the bravery category was truly humbling and being awarded a highly commended trophy, after coming joint runner-up, showed the judges understand the commitment and dedication of myself and others in supporting our communities. 

“I was proud to be able to promote the force and showcase the work we do in keeping our communities safe and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support.”

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 Sergeant Cliff, who joined the force 33 years ago, was also honoured for his commitment and dedication, along with other officers who serve with Nottinghamshire Police’s Special Constabulary, at a King’s Coronation medal and long service awards held on July 22.

He was awarded a King’s Coronation medal, receiving his accolade from Chief Constable Kate Meynell who presented each award and thanked officers, friends and family for their dedicated service and ongoing support respectively.

Chief Superintendent Sukesh Verma, Head of Local Policing and Specialist Operations, said: “I am so pleased that the BBC Radio Nottingham Make a Difference Awards judges recognised the importance of Special Sergeant Cliff’s time, effort and dedication offered to supporting our communities.

“On behalf of the force I’d like to congratulate Wayne on his highly commended award which is a great achievement and testament to his dedication and commitment to service which has made a huge difference to so many people.”