Police officers and staff who have gone above and beyond to help people stay safe have been recognised by Cumbria police’s chief constable.
At ceremonies held at the Roundthorn Hotel in Penrith, Chief Constable Michelle Skeer recognised officers who have acted with great professionalism, integrity and compassion, sometimes in extremely difficult and challenging circumstances.
Ch Cons Skeer said: “These ceremonies are my favourite time of the year as we so rarely get the opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work of officers and staff which often goes under the radar.
“Often, our officers are tasked with attending harrowing incidents and investigating horrific crimes which will live with them the rest of their lives, so I always welcome the opportunity for myself and the Constabulary to recognise and thank those who have behaved so exceptionally, as well as those who have served the Constabulary and the community with distinction as part of the long service awards.
“I’m sure everyone who attended the ceremony could not help but leave inspired by the stories they have heard and reassured that the Cumbrian spirit is thriving in the officers and staff at Cumbria Constabulary.”
Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner Peter McCall, said: “Every day our officers and staff go above and beyond to keep the public safe, often placing themselves in harm’s way to do so.
“These awards really show stellar examples of the selfless and outstanding dedication Cumbria Constabulary have towards public safety.
“Our police officers come face-to-face with some of the worst of society and humanity throughout their careers which can be extremely difficult physically, emotionally, and mentally.
“Therefore, It is important that we acknowledge and celebrate the exemplary work that the police do, every day to keep the public safe.
“I would add my personal congratulations and sincere thanks to all the winners and nominees – these awards are genuinely deserved, and they should all be proud of their achievements.”
Three family members killed in Father’s Day crash
A team of officers and staff who worked on a fatal collision which resulted in three members of the same family losing their lives received commendations.
On June 21 2020 – Father’s Day – a car mounted the kerb in Abbey Road in Dalton and struck three pedestrians. The father and his two children – along with their pet dog – were killed in the collision.
In what was one of the worst road traffic collisions in the county in living memory, the team worked with great resilience and professionalism at all stages of the investigation.
Included were those who attended the scene in the moments immediately after the collision, and began the forensic examination, to those who subsequently investigated the crash and the officers who undertook the challenging and emotional role of liaising direct with the family.
The investigation resulted in the driver admitting charges including dangerous driving and drink driving and being sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The officers and staff commended were:
- PC Laura Stewart
- PC Tim Fowkes
- PC Dugald Cunningham
- Sgt Jack Stabler
- PC Katie Twentyman
- Nikki Knott
Chief Superintendent Matt Kennerley said: “Every single officer and staff member who worked on the incident and subsequent investigation were impacted heavily by what was a true tragedy.
“However, those involved were still able to work on behalf of the family and the community with great resilience and professionalism in responding to all aspects of the aftermath of the incident. It is an incident no officers hopes to ever have to be involved and I hope we never see a similar incident repeated again in the county. However, those involved deserve great credit for their exceptional work, which was more than worth of commendation.”
Team who seized £2.5 million-worth of drugs and made more than 70 arrests
Four PCs from the Road Crime Unit received commendations for an outstanding contribution to disruption serious and organised crime on Cumbria’s road network.
Their work included proactively targeting criminals to stop and disrupt serious offending including cross-border drug supply, money laundering, county lines and serious acquisitive crime.
Their efforts came via a combination of intelligence-led interventions and spontaneous activity based on professional instinct. Their work also proved invaluable in a number of notable murder investigations.
The officers were put forward for their commendation by Sergeant Jonathan Kelly.
He said: “That such a small team can achieve such incredible success over the period of a single year is a testament to both their individual professionalism and their self-motivation.
“A significant proportion of their arrests were those involved in drug dealing and other serious organised crime.
“The amount of drugs and money they have been able to take away from criminal gangs seeking to operate in the county have significantly impacted these criminal operations and sent the message loud and clear that Cumbria is no soft touch for criminality.”
Helped jail child rapist
A detective has been recognised after carrying out a successful investigation which resulted in a child rapist being jailed for more than two decades.
Detective Constable Jo Allison-Wright undertook the investigation following a report received in November 2019 of historic sexual abuse committed against the victims when they were of primary school age.
DC Allison-Wright spent time establishing a relationship with the victims, which assisted greatly in taking their accounts and preparing them for the potential court case to come.
However, the thoroughness of the investigation resulted in the defendant admitting all charges and receiving a sentence of 22 years in prison, with a further eight years on extended license.
Detective Sergeant Stephen Kidd put DC Allison-Wright forward for the commendation.
He said: “Investigations into non-recent sexual offences which took place a significant number of years ago are always extremely challenging.
“The constabulary regularly calls on anyone who has been subject to a sexual offence, however long ago, to come forward as they will be listened to, supported and their report investigated.
“However, actions speak louder than words and I hope the result – an offender who likely thought he has escaped justice jailed for three decades – serves to show the public what can be achieved.
“DC Allison-Wright’s investigation and the support she provided to the survivors of the abuse were exemplary and more than worthy of this commendation.”
Appleby Horse Fair policing
Two PCs who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the policing of Appleby Horse Fair have been awarded chief constable’s commendations.
PC Ruth Coates and PC Damian Fox have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the policing of the 2021 Appleby Horse Fair.
During the event, the officers were integral to policing at all levels – from working to establish a positive relationship between police, the Gypsy and Traveller community and local people to disrupting disorder and preventing violence.
The work of the officers was recognised in the context of the particular difficulties of the 2021 Fair, coming whilst Coronavirus fears remained high.
The officers were put forward for their commendations by Inspector Kim Brown.
Inspector Brown said: “Both officers are accredited as Police Liaison Team (PLT) – a role which is voluntary on top of their day-to-day roles with the constabulary.
“Both have excellent communication skills which they have used to build up a rapport with all communities involved in the fair.
“Their experience and professionalism mean they can use their initiative to head off difficulties and disorder before they escalate.
“Both officers have become integral keys to the policing of this significant and unique event. This commendation is well-deserved and reflects how highly both officers are viewed at all levels of the policing operation for Appleby Horse Fair.”
Working with children
PC Roxanna Schofield has developed and delivered the Future Pathways programme in Copeland, which has included organising, securing funding and working in partnership with schools, youth workers and local outdoor education providers.
The programme has delivered to hundreds of children so far, increasing aspirations, teaching valuable life skills and breaking down barriers with the police.
Detective Superintendent Sally Blacklock said: “PC Schofield has gone above and beyond in developing the programme, including working towards its expansion into Allerdale.
“Her incredible passion for the project shines through and I know her efforts are appreciated not just by the constabulary but in the local community and by the children.
“The programme and PC Schofield’s work has already been praised in a HMIC inspection, however the Chief Constable’s commendation is a real honour and well-deserved.”
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