Force celebrates the commitment of officers, staff and members of the public at special awards event
Dorset Police has recognised the outstanding commitment of its officers, staff and volunteers and members of the public, who provide vital services in the county, at its latest awards ceremony.
The ceremony on Thursday 28 November 2024 acknowledged their incredible dedication to policing. Also celebrated was the outstanding long service and conduct of officers and staff in supporting the Force’s vision to make Dorset a safe county for everyone.
A number of colleagues from various teams and departments were awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation to celebrate their contribution to being tough on crime, keeping people safe and putting victims first.
PC Beth Pharoah, PC Louis Kellaway, PC Gary Wilson and one other officer were awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for the actions they displayed responding to reports of a man with a knife in a car park and flat. The situation was described as volatile, with threats to blow up the building and items thrown at the officers. The officers evacuated the residents of the building, and after some serious challenges to personal safety, they safely detained him.
These officers, the attending firearms officers and NPT Bournemouth North colleagues were all recognised at the event for their support and courage that day.
PC Antony Frost, PC Gemma Nowell-Smith and two other officers received a Royal Humane Society Award for their swift and decisive actions at a serious road traffic collision in which they were required to perform vital CPR on a young child and saved their life. The actions of these officers were praised by medical professionals when the incident had concluded. Were it not for their swift and decisive actions that day, the outcome could have been very different.
The Dorset Criminal Justice Board Award was presented to Rachel Janaway, Sarah Wilton, Jennifer Toogood and Inspector Samuel Goom of the Pineapple Project, which is leading the way to making Dorset a safer place for all girls and young women to live and visit. This community venture provides a safe space for young women through the provision of community guardians within local businesses.
The dedicated team raises awareness of violence against women and girls who experience sexual assault, exploitation, or peer-on-peer abuse. The team demonstrates a clear passion and commitment to ensure that the voices of Dorset girls and young women are heard and listened to and that the challenges they face in the community and at home are understood.
Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “Our policing family is made up of thousands of exceptionally talented and dedicated staff, officers and volunteers who work every day to do their very best in delivering an excellent service to our communities.
“These award ceremonies act as stark reminder the professionalism our officers, staff and volunteers demonstrate and the risks they take in putting themselves in harm’s way.
“It was a great pleasure to recognise the outstanding long service and conduct of a number of police officers, staff and volunteers who have served our communities diligently for so many years. I am immensely proud of them all and their families and friends who support them.”
Photo: The Pineapple Project Team with Chief Constable Amanda Pearson.
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