A student police officer who saved a child’s life just three weeks after joining his response team has been honoured at a special celebration event on the Isle of Wight.
Student Officer Josh Pearce is just one of many officers and staff who were recognised for their bravery, professionalism and commitment to making communities safer for those living and working on the island.
It was also a chance for the force to thank brave members of the public who leapt into action to help others when they needed it most.
The Isle of Wight Area Commander’s Awards was hosted by Superintendent Rob Mitchell at the Newport Congregational Church on the evening of Tuesday 21 October 2025.
It was the first time our new Chief Constable, Alexis Boon, got the chance to enjoy this special celebration event on the island and he was joined by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Susan Sheldon and Isle of Wight High Sheriff Jacqueline Gazzard.
Members of the police service were recognised for their commitment to delivering exceptional local policing, relentlessly pursing offenders, and ensuring victims across the Isle of Wight receive exceptional support.
A number of police officers and staff were also awarded their Police Long Service Awards or retirement certificates.
Student Officer Josh Pearce received an Area Commander’s Certificate for his quick thinking and composure when providing first aid to an unresponsive child. Only three weeks into his service as a response officer, his calm and considered response in a highly challenging situation ensured the child received the appropriate care. The child was taken to hospital and spent a night under observation before being discharged.
Police Contact Enquiry Officers Chris Cragg and Gemma Phillips, and Police Staff Investigator Mike Dowden received Area Commanders Certificates recognising their exceptional professionalism, courage, and commitment to public safety in the evacuation of a section of Newport town centre during a live ordnance incident.
Demonstrating remarkable selflessness, PCEOs Cragg and Phillips voluntarily entered the cordoned area to assist in the safe evacuation of residents and played a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the police cordon. Their actions directly contributed to ensuring the safety of the public and the successful resolution of a high-risk situation, alongside PSI Dowden, whose diligence and focus ensured the lead officers were fully informed of emerging issues in delivering a safe evacuation of residents.
PC Jack Evans received an Area Commanders Certificate for delivering exceptional local policing. PC Evans has gone above and beyond to build a relationship with two vulnerable victims in a neighbour dispute demonstrating support, empathy, tenacity and dedication to support them throughout the investigation and to help them feel safe again in their own home.
Members of the public Louise Hodgkins and Anthony Phillips were recognised with an Area Commanders Certificate following support they provided to officers at the scene of a road traffic collision where a pedestrian was injured.
Louise and Anthony had witnessed the incident and remained on scene to support the officers with traffic management and protecting the immediate scene. They remained on scene for over two hours and continued to direct traffic and divert pedestrians. Their selfless actions not only kept the police officers safe to do their duty but ensured those officers were able to deliver the best possible life saving interventions to a seriously injured person with life threatening injuries.
Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Alexis Boon said:
“The Area Commander’s Awards evening is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the fabulous work of officers, staff, volunteers, and members of the public from across the Isle of Wight.
“We heard numerous stories of bravery, commitment, compassion, and integrity from across the Island. It is so important that we recognise these individuals for their exceptional actions and dedication to service. Well done and congratulations to all those recognised.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Isle of Wight Area Commander, Superintendent Rob Mitchell, said:
“This is the fifth awards evening I have been to since becoming the Area Commander for the Isle of Wight, and I am always impressed by the courage and compassion of both police officers, police staff, and members of public across the island.
“We celebrate officers and staff who have dedicated service to the public and policing as a whole. We also recognise the members of our force, and the wider community, who have gone above and beyond what we as leaders would expect of them, saving lives and putting their own selves at risk to look after vulnerable members of the public.
“The Isle of Wight is a uniquely special place to police and evenings such as tonight are a reminder of the exceptional people who make this possible. I am, as always, extremely pleased and proud to be sharing their stories and celebrating these incredible individuals.”
Congratulations to all those mentioned and their leaders.
People are very quick to criticise these days. It is good to see effective service and heroic deeds recognised publicly. It is a central tenet of the Peel principles which guide policing in the UK that there is a co-operative approach and law enforcement is policed by consent.
It is great that these exceptional people get a mention for there actions. Well done to all of you.