Police officers stood alongside members of the public as they were honoured for going above and beyond to protect those living and working on the Isle of Wight at a district awards ceremony on Thursday (27th April).
Some were recognised for their incredible bravery in the face of danger, while others were commended for their extreme professionalism under pressure, all deserving recognition for their willingness to help others.
The special ceremony was held at Newport Congregational Church on Pyle Street. Awards were presented by Superintendent Sarah Jackson, who is charge of policing on the Island, alongside special guests Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney and Ben Rouse, the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight.
Police Staff Long Service Certificates
• David Matthews
• Meryl Claydon
• Debbie Gilburt
Chief Constable’s Congratulations
• Police Sergeant Stuart Ross
District awards
• Mr Dave Wilkins for work with a pioneering project integrating mental health care and policing on the Isle of Wight. The Serenity Integrated Mentoring (SIM) project run by Hampshire Constabulary and the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, and is supported by Wessex Academic Health Science Network (AHSN).
• PCSO Peter Downing for his professionalism in successfully locating a wanted and aggressive man, managing to safely contain him despite risks to himself, and assisting colleagues with an arrest.
• PC Lucy Critchlow, PC Kelly Bartle, and Mr Dave Wilkins for rescuing a vulnerable, distressed, and suicidal female from a cliff edge.
• DC Dave Pain and member of the public Russell MacLean for helping to recover a suicidal man from a cliff edge.
• PC Tom Ramsay for bravery while off-duty when detaining an aggressive male following a number of incidents of criminal damage.
• PCSO Lisa Paul received the bronze pin for going the extra mile in her role as the lead officer for sexual orientation issues and Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLO) on the Island.
• Inspector Sam Dunlop for her commitment and dedication to the staff, officers and communities on the Island. In particular her caring and thoughtful approach in support of the well-being of staff and officers.
Superintendent Sarah Jackson said:
“This awards ceremony recognised the courageous actions of our officers, but also highlighted the contribution made by police staff and our young cadets.
“The ages of those involved covered the entire spectrum with three staff members receiving long service awards alongside fourteen of our teenage cadets having their achievements celebrated. All three staff members joined Hampshire Constabulary in 1996 and their combined service of over sixty years shows just how committed they have been to keeping our communities safe.
“Five of these awards have been given for exceptional work in helping two people who may have otherwise died as they were in immediate danger. The quick thinking and compassionate actions of those five people demonstrate the core values of all of our teams on the Island.
“Every day our officers start their shifts not knowing what they are going to be confronted with, and their actions have made a significant contribution to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community. I’m pleased that we can take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions they have all made to help people living on the Isle of Wight”
Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said:
“It is so important that we take the time to recognise the work undertaken in our local communities by officers, staff, volunteers, and members of the public. I was delighted to meet cadets who are embarking on an exciting journey and who may well become the face of policing on the Island in the future as they complete their education and start their careers
“Sergeant Stuart Ross was also given my congratulations for his commitment to public service and his personal investment into Operation Sceptre, ensuring knives are taken off the street across Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. The work he has been undertaking with teenagers along with those who have been given conditional cautions has been an important element of Operation Sceptre on the Island”.
