Police officers in Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff were officially recognised at a special event held recently.
The Divisional Commendation Awards took place at Gartholwg Lifelong Learning Centre, Church Village, where more than 50 certificates were presented by Chief Superintendent Kevin O’Neill.
Officers were commended for exceptional professionalism, compassion and dedication when confronted with a number of situations, dealing with incidents whether on or off duty and for resolving and detecting crime.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Kevin ‘Neill said: “As the new divisional commander for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff it was my first Commendation Award Ceremony and it was great to recognise the excellent work that our officers are doing for the public.
“I am confident that the stories of dedication and commitment that we heard at the award ceremony are just examples of what is actually taking place on a daily basis across Northern BCU.
“We are working as a team, with our partners, with our communities, to ensure the area remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
“I can reassure the public that we will keep up the high standards that have been set and continue the good work that is being carried out to keep our communities safe.”
Here is a selection of the commendations from Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff:
Cynon Neighbourhood Policing Team including Ps McKeon, Pc Evans, Pc James and Pc Gwyther.
The team was commended for its proactive policing that led to the recovery and seizure of ¾ kilo of cocaine worth around £39,000 and the conviction of the offender.
This was the biggest seizure of its kind in the Cynon Valley.
Pc Derryn Harding and Beth Harding.
The couple were shopping at Tesco in Merthyr Tydfil when there was a serious road traffic collision. Pc Harding, who was off-duty, took control of the scene, preserving crucial evidence while the emergency services were en route, and his wife gave first aid to the injured pedestrian.
Psc Sion Parker, Pc Paul Coulthard, Pc Samantha Clair Griffiths, DC Phil Simmonds, and PCSO Natasha Foster.
The Rhondda-based officers were commended for their investigation into a suspected organised crime group in Treherbert which led to a cannabis factory being found at the disused Castle Public House, the seizure of £750,000 worth of drugs, and the arrest of two men who had concealed themselves in a wall cavity.
