The fourth Powys Divisional Commander’s Commendation Awards were held on 28 January at the Royal Welsh Showground – and this year they were bigger and better.
In addition to Police Officers, Staff and family and friends of the winners, the event also boasted high-profile dignitaries from across the county. They included Lord Lieutenant of Powys Shân Legge-Bourke, Powys High Sheriff David Lloyd and wife Sophia, and Powys County Council Chief Executive Jeremy Patterson. In addition, the Mayors of Llandrindod Wells (Patricia Hill), Newtown (Joy Jones) and Welshpool (Annie Holloway) also attended.
As usual Police Officers, PCSO’s and Special Constable’s were included in the list of recipients, but this year, for the first time, the nominations were opened to the public. And thanks to their efforts, a number of Officers were nominated for their hard work and professionalism.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Hughson: “This event reflects the real commitment of officers who have made a special contribution to ensure members of our diverse communities remain safe. I am justifiably proud of the achievements of all my staff and will continue to reward and recognise their contributions, particularly those who are identified as making that extra special contribution.
“Additionally, I would like to thank people for making the effort to contact our service to choose their Police Officer of the year in the Community Award. I also recognise members of our communities who support Powys BCU to help deliver our service. Along with my staff and partners I will continue to look for ways to provide a better service to ensure Powys remains to be a safe place to live, work and visit.
“I want the people of Powys to feel confident about their Police Service and completely satisfied with what we do. These awards enable us to showcase our commitment and highlight that we work through challenging circumstances to deliver that promise.”
Following the presentation Shân Legge-Bourke addressed the audience and highlighted how proud she was to be in the presence of such distinguished company. She also praised the Police for the effort placed in ensuring that our communities stay safe.
Once the formalities were out the way, winners and invitees were given the opportunity to engage with Police Officer’s and the Powys Senior Management Team and talk about a variety of issues from the night’s winners to policing in their area.
Attendees could also chat to the County’s Mountain Rescue Team’s and the Neighbourhood Policing Team, who set up stands to highlight the excellent work they do to ensure Powys has one of the lowest crime rates in England and Wales.
The winners:
- Leadership Award: Insp Diane Davies: Instilling a sense of pride in the section and effective team-working, which has contributed to achieving excellent performance in the prevention and detection of crime.
- Innovation Award: Street Pastors Scheme, Newtown: For the dedication and commitment from the 12 volunteers to help keep Powys safe.
- Partnership Award: North East Wales Search and Rescue, Brecon Mountain Rescue, Longtown Mountain Rescue: For their invaluable skills and assistance in locating and rescuing missing persons.
- Investigation Award: DC Noel Blakeman: For his work on a fatal carbon monoxide poisoning case, which involved extensive liaison with various agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive and expert witnesses.
- Operational Award: PS Jonathan Rees, PC Jenna Darby, PC Rob Gallier: For the attendance and investigation into a serious violent public disorder in Llanidloes
- Above and Beyond the Call of Duty: PS Nigel Brace, PC Fraser Scott, PC Dai Morgan, PC Wayne Ballard: Recognised for bravery for rescuing people from a house on fire.
- DC Darren Abraham, DC Lynsey Bowen: Recognised for bravery for rescuing people from a house on fire.
- Team Award: Powys Finance and Admin: Delivering major improvements to the facilities of Police Stations across the Division.
- WAAT 4 – C/Insp Norman Welch and Gary Philpott: their team’s efforts for raising an outstanding £ 21,513.82 in the WAAT 4 Challenge
- Police Staff Award: Allan Jones and Ray Morgan: For their commitment in their day-today job and for their extensive local knowledge during major events.
- Student Officer of the Year: PC 167 Amy Davies: For her arrest and pro-activity rate and her commitment and enthusiasm.
- Community Award: PC Mike Clark: for his professional and diligent manner in which he dealt with an investigation.
If you would like to contact your Neighbourhood Policing Team to discus issues in your area, call 101
