Bravery, skill and dedication of officers and staff recognised at Wiltshire Police Awards

• Officers and staff recognised at Wiltshire Police Awards
• Event held in person for the first time since the pandemic

The bravery, skill and dedication of Wiltshire Police Officers and staff has been recognised at the Wiltshire Police Awards yesterday (03/05).

Held in person for the first time since the pandemic - at Chalk Barn near Pewsey - the event was an opportunity to spotlight the actions and professional contributions by teams and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding qualities in the course of their duties.

At the launch, Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Tonight, is one of the highlights of being the Chief of our force – It is a huge privilege for me to join you and your families and loved ones and say thank you for the outstanding contributions you have made to policing our communities. 

"Policing is about going the extra mile and about giving it your all to protect people, prevent crime, deliver justice for victims and to safeguard people who are vulnerable to risk.

"Many take up this vocation, knowing the risks and dangers, yet freely commit themselves to protect others. It is a truly unique profession and I have a great deal of respect for all who commit to their role in policing.

"Crime is becoming more complex, public expectations are rising, and the new pressures on society, means that as a Force we are more than ever in demand. Tonight is a great example of those taking pride in their roles, going that extra mile and doing what is right.

"You’ll hear incredible stories of courage and quick-thinking in the face of enormous danger.

"You’ll hear examples of outstanding teamwork, dedication to duty and long service.

"I am hugely proud of you all and everyone across our force. I have the utmost respect for you and for what you do. I want to congratulate everyone receiving an award here tonight.”

Attending the event was Police and Commissioner Philip Wilkinson who was elected in August 2021 and Deputy PCC Russell Holland, who presented special PCC awards to Special Constable of the year, SPC Ben Manning and outstanding contribution awards to Youth Commission members, who helped develop the Commissioner’s Police and Crime plan in addition to bridging the gap between young people and the police. 

Also present at the event was the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire William Wyldbore-Smith and the newly declared High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Lady Lansdowne who addressed the room and spoke about the meaning of bravery.

“Everyone in this room receiving an award knows about bravery. Knowing that you have stepped forward, knowing you have it in you and if the time came again you could step forward. 

“This is a great quality to have, and we are very lucky.”

 

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

PC Bethany Dadson 

Police Constable Beth Dadson is awarded a Certificate of Excellence for the selfless bravery she showed on Friday 19 November 2021 when responding to a disturbance in Trowbridge.  

PC Dadson was off duty, visiting a family member, when she heard a disturbance outside and realised there was likely to be an assault. Without fear for her own safety and without any personal safety equipment, Beth took steps to intervene.  

In trying to prevent further assault, PC Dadson moved between the two men to separate them but realised the assailant had a hammer. 

PC Dadson’s policing instincts took over and she took hold of the man’s arm to wrestle the hammer from him. Not only did she disarm the man, despite his resistance, but she separated the men into their respective homes to await police.  

COMMENDATION

PC Tom Carver 

PC Sarah Greenman 

Police Constables Tom Carver and Sarah Greenman have been presented with a Chief Constable’s Commendation in recognition for their exemplary professionalism, quick thinking, and courage when they responded to a complex incident in March 2017. 

A teenage girl disclosed that a relative had been abusing her.

Whilst the officers were in attendance, the suspect arrived at the scene. 

This already complex and sensitive incident presented further challenges when the suspect harmed himself with a knife. 

PC Carver and PC Greenman acted quickly to first ensure the safeguarding of the young girl and her family before removing the knife from the suspect and administering first aid - likely saving his life. 

The officers demonstrated considerable bravery and professionalism under very challenging circumstances. Their actions showcased the remarkable dedication to deliver the best possible service to the victim. 

COMMENDATION

PS James Osment  

Police Sergeant James Osment is awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his brave actions when responding to reports of a woman who had jumped into a river.  Police Sergeant James Osment, along with a colleague, responded.

The officers waded waist deep into the river to prevent the woman from going further into the cold water. 

With assistance from an off-duty paramedic and a PCSO, the woman was pulled out of the water and to the safety of the riverbank.   

 

INNOVATION & CREATIVITY AWARD

Emma Reid 

Emma Reid is awarded the Outstanding Innovation and Creativity Award for her work on the FLIP Side events and the planning and delivery of the South West Society of Evidenced Based Policing (SEBP) Conference.

Emma has shown impeccable leadership, organisational skills, and creativity in her delivery of these two projects.

Through her development of the FLIP Side events, which have been running virtually since 2021, Emma has enabled the Force to effectively collaborate, learn and share best practice and consider new ideas and approaches they can utilise in their day jobs.  

 

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY AWARD – Certificate of Commendation

PC David Rooksby 

PC Daniel Lane 

Police Constables Daniel Lane and David Rooksby helped Avon and Somerset Police Constable Ben Jefferies who came across an accident while travelling home along the M4 after a late shift.

PC Jeffries checked on a casualty who had significant injuries, but was breathing and conscious. 

He then attended to a second casualty. Shortly after, PC Jeffries was joined by Police Constable Daniel Lane and Police Constable David Rooksby who were on-duty and they both administered CPR until paramedics arrived. 

Sadly, the casualty was pronounced dead at the scene.

For their commendable efforts and bravery, Police Constables Daniel Lane and David Rooksby were awarded with a Certificate of Commendation by Royal Humane Society Award.

 

Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition for Members of the public

Amy Howells

Amy Howells is presented with a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition for her brave actions in response to a disorder in Swindon.  

In August 2021 Wiltshire Police received reports of a disorder in the Eldene area of Swindon. 

A teenage boy had received life changing injuries caused by a machete.  

Amy witnessed the attack as it happened. 

Recognising the severity of the victim’s injuries and without thought for herself she immediately went to the victim to offer comfort and support.  

Amy’s actions were courageous and selfless when faced with an exceptionally violent situation and in a hostile atmosphere. Her kindness brought comfort at an extremely difficult time when the outcome for the victim was uncertain.  

Long Service Awards 

Long service (20 years for regular police officers and staff/ 9 years for specials)

PC Tracy Davies 

Sarah Ellen ANPR Specialist 

Detective Sergeant Martin Faulkner 

PC Emma Kimber 

Inspector Ricky Lee 

Special Constable Peter Jones 

Head of Strategic Comms Clare Mills 

PC Sean Magee