Superintendent Sarah Jackson has praised the officers under her command for their services to the Isle of Wight.
Police officers were joined by police community support officers (PCSO’s), special constables, police staff and the public at tan awards ceremony at Newport Congregational Church on Tuesday (17th October).
4 officers have been given Association of Chief Police Officers’ (now NPCC) National Police Lifesaving Committee awards in recognition of outstanding water-based rescues. Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney presented awards to Inspector Adam Henderson-Parish and PC Dave Cooper, after they assisted a 58 year-old man who had fallen into the River Medina in total darkness on 8th September 2015. PC Lisa Fletcher was unable to attend the awards ceremony, but is also a recipient.
Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney also presented an award to PC Kris Thon who commandeered a hovercraft on Tuesday 16th September 2016 at Ryde to rescue a suspect. The man had waded out into the sea and put himself in a dangerous position in the middle of commercial boating lanes with only his head above the water.
PC Thon utilised a variety of tactics showing intelligent and lateral thinking under pressure. The rescue was successful and the Hovertravel staff were extremely impressed.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson said:
“Every single time that an officer puts on their uniform they understand the responsibility they carry to keep the public safe. I’m so proud that we can take this opportunity to recognise their outstanding service to the communities on the Isle of Wight.
“So often we hear that police officers run towards danger to ensure the safety of the public and to preserve life. The awards that we have presented demonstrate this dedication and bravery without question.
Article continues below this advertisement “That my officers of all ranks have put themselves in harm’s way to save lives is an amazing testament to the teamwork and support that the policing family has here on the Island. The work we undertake with other agencies and the Community Safety Partnership ensures that after we have helped people in need or distress that we can provide ongoing support to enable their wellbeing in the future.
“Each recipient of these awards should be proud of their achievements, every single one of their colleagues across Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight certainly is”.
Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney added:
“I’d like to echo Superintendent Jackson’s comments, I am delighted to personally congratulate all of the recipients at this ceremony for their work to keep the Isle of Wight as a safe place to live and work.
“These two incidents in the river Medina and on the mud flats at Ryde highlight how dangerous the job of an officer can be. The officers’ selfless actions helped to save a life in the most extreme of circumstances. Their bravery is an inspiration to their colleagues and the wider community on the Island”.
A number of other officers serving the Island community were presented with awards for their outstanding work by District Commander, Superintendent Sarah Jackson.
PC Martin Rogers was recognised for 3 incidents of bravery.
1 if these incidents was in Sandown on 12th September 2017. A teenage girl who had been drinking was located on the wrong side of a 6-foot high fence on a small ledge at the top of a cliff. The ledge was affected by erosion and the teenager could easily have fallen. A member of the public had made their way onto the ledge to get a secure grip on the girl. PC Rogers was concerned for the safety of both people and handcuffed the girl to the railings so that she couldn’t fall and that the second person could get to safety. PC Rogers who was also on the ledge then used 2 pairs of handcuffs to guide the girl to safety using each railing as an anchor point. He is commended for prioritising the safety of both people to ensure that they reached safety with his assistance.
PC Kris Thon received his second award of the night when his innovation, professionalism, resilience, and determination were highlighted after he arrested 3 wanted men.
PCSO Steve Hull was recognised for his professionalism and assistance to an officer and for completing vital early enquiries for an investigation beyond his usual duties.
A number of officers and staff members were awarded a victim satisfaction bronze award after each receiving 6 or more positive pieces of feedback from victims of crime in the last year. The officers included: PC Sarah Waldegrave, PC Stuart Pearson, and crime scene investigator Stephen Clarke.
In addition 3 members of the Special Constabulary, which is made up of volunteers were recognised for their commitment. Specials Inspector Andrew Pullen, SC Jennette Wherry, and SC Claire Dawnay were all given a bronze tie pin for dedicating considerable hours to their roles in the last 3 years.
