‘Tis the season to be jolly and these officers and volunteers have more reason than most this Christmas.
Hampshire Constabulary has hosted its last Chief Constable’s Awards of the year with officers, staff, volunteers and members of the public all being recognised for their dedication and bravery.
The inspirational and courageous work of those within the force was honoured at a special ceremony in Netley, near Southampton.
The Chief Constable’s Awards are a chance for us to recognise excellent police work, as well as the courageous actions of members of the public who have taken action to protect and help others.
Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney had the honour of presenting the awards at the ceremony along with the Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson.
Chief Constable Pinkney said: “Many of us take time to reflect at this time of year and take stock of what has happened over the last 12 months.
“This ceremony has been a great way of looking back on the year and recognising those who have really gone above and beyond to make our communities safer.
“Once again these awards have highlighted how lucky we are to live and work in a place with so many people who are dedicated to making life better in our communities and willing to confront dangerous situations to protect others.”
Awards
The details of some of those who received awards are listed below:
Chief Constable Commendations
PC Michelle Harris – Response and patrol Basingstoke
Despite being attacked with a glass bottle, PC Michelle Harris would not let her violent and dangerous attacker get away.
She persisted to follow Ashley Shay to ensure he did not harm anyone else. The attack happened in April when PC Harris had been responding to a request to carry out a search in Basingstoke for a man who was suspected of burglary. She was soon joined by a colleague, at which point Shay turned around to reveal a claw hammer.
Shay headed towards a woodland area but was soon detained once back-up had arrived. He was jailed for 24 months for ABH.
PC Harris was taken to hospital suffering from swelling and bruising but was back at work the next day.
She is being recognised with this award because despite her injuries she was determined that Shay would not get away.
She was professional and calm when giving updates to the control room and thanks to these qualities a dangerous man was taken off the streets of Hampshire.
Steve Burns - member of the public
This brave member of the public risked his life to stop a would-be burglar breaking into a house in Gosport in January.
Mr Burns’ bravery prevented a burglary and protected the residents from a possible serious assault. Mr Burns has been left with some lasting injuries which has hampered his ability to work.
Andrew Miles, 35, pleaded guilty for having a bladed article, unlawful wounding and damaging property. He was sentenced to 28 months in prison. Had it not been for the public spirited actions of Mr Burns, this incident could have ended very differently.
Royal Humane Society Awards
PC Stuart Dickerson – Joint Operations Unit
He found himself at the heart of the most serious violence to hit the Euro 2016 football tournament, yet PC Dickerson risked his own safety to save the life of another. He went to the aid of England fans who were seriously injured, some unconscious after they were attacked by Russian hooligans in June. They found a man who was receiving CPR from a French riot police officer and administered critical first aid.
Despite the clear threat to their personal safety the officers continued to treat the man and provided a protective cordon around him.
There is no doubt they played a key role in saving the life of Andrew Bache, who sadly remains in hospital with life changing injuries.
PC Dickerson has been awarded the RHS Commendation on Parchment Certificate.
Dominic Burrows and Ryan Burrows - members of the public
Brothers Dominic and Ryan have been honoured after their first aid skills saved the life of their dad, Mark.
The pair had been out running in Church Crookham with their 55-year-old dad in December 2014 when Mark collapsed, suffering from a heart attack.
Despite the obvious panic and concern they began CPR and remained calm enough to not only resuscitate Mark but they also managed to contact the emergency services with their exact location.
Mark was taken to Frimley Park Hospital and discharged, fit and well, less than 48 hours later. Dominic and Ryan have been awarded the RHS Resuscitation Certificate.
Volunteers of the Year – Highly Commended
Vicky Maynard – Volunteer Training Assistant
Without the assistance, contribution and professionalism of Vicky it would have been very difficult to meet the training demand of the organisation.
Instead of two full time trainers being committed to EFA Specials training at the weekend, there is only the requirement to commit one, as Vicky can always been relied upon knowing her professionalism and delivery is of the highest standard.
Vicky’s line manager said: “I feel it’s a shame that we cannot actually provide more than an award as I cannot speak highly enough of the dedication, professionalism and assistance that Vicky has provided the Learning and Development department and Hampshire Constabulary over the last 18 months.”
Ellie Hyland - Volunteer stolen property assistant
Burglary victims have truly been put at the heart of policing thanks to the loyal and consistent service from Ellie over the past two years.
The support she has given our victims of crime cannot be underestimated.
Burglary is one of the most impactive crimes and Ellie has worked tirelessly to support victims through the recovery of their stolen property.
Without Ellie’s commitment a lot of this tasking would remain uncompleted being seen as a nice to have rather than a necessity.
Ellie’s line manager said: “This is a true example of placing victims at the heart of policing. Her dedication to the organisation and the wider public has been unstinting and deserves recognition.”
Long Service and Good Conduct Medals 1995
PC Jonathan Worsdell
PC Richard Harrison
Sgt Philip Eastick
DC Victoria Bousfield
DS Richard Aston
DS Cheryl Croucher
Sgt Richard Grant
PC Richard Webb
PC Paul Brown
PC Paul Foley
PC Tracy Howlett
Insp Peter Parkes