Police officers, staff and a member of the public have been recognised for their efforts to help keep people safe.
At a ceremony held at the Roundthorn Hotel in Penrith, Chief Constable Darren Martland presented commendations in recognition of outstanding contributions to policing the county.
As well as those receiving commendations, other officers and staff were also recognised for their long service.
The chief constable said: “We are fortunate to have officers and staff who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty in order to keep people safe and ensure dangerous offenders are brought to justice.
“I am extremely proud of our officers and staff and welcome the opportunity to recognise their efforts and celebrate outstanding achievements.
“I’d also like to thank those officers and staff who have served the constabulary and the community with distinction and were recognised as such as part of the long service awards.”
Those recognised included:
Kirkby Stephen fire response
Police officers who put themselves in harm’s way to help get people to safe during a major fire in December 2024 have been commended by the Chief Constable.
The officers attended a report of a fire – later declared a major incident – in Kirkby Lonsdale on December 8 2024.
The officers commended included:
- PC Piers Scarisbrick
- PC Nathan Sprot
- PC Rick Harvey
- PC Emily Eccleston
- PS Martin Mould
The officers arrived to find a significant fire blazing at a block of flats in Main Street, with significant risk of the fire spreading.
All of the officers immediately set about evacuating the buildings, battling through thick smoke alongside Cumbria Fire and Rescue colleagues.
Gas canisters exploded around the officers as they worked but they forced their way into properties using whatever means they had – including their police batons.
One person died in the fire but Cumbria police said the actions of the officers contribute significantly to preventing further casualties.
Inspector Sara Seath, of Cumbria police, said: “The officers demonstrated exemplary conduct in risking their own well-being to get people to safety – all whilst the buildings around them were at significant risk of collapse.
“A number of officers suffered from smoke inhalation as a result of their work that day.
“Their efforts were exceptionally courageous, with the officers putting the safety of the public before their own, and I am pleased to see their actions commended.”
Saving a life
On July 11 2025, police received a dropped 999 call to an address in St Bees.
Officers attended where they found Clive Benson – a neighbour – conducting CPR.
PC Boyd was first to attend and assisted while providing effective comms to allow other officers to attend swiftly.
PCs Blaney and Lewis arrived five minutes later and took over CPR, as well as deploying the defibrillator.
The officers took turns on the CPR and defibrillator and continued their work beyond the arrival of NWAS colleagues.
Their efforts eventually resulted in a pulse coming back and the patient began breathing again.
He was taken by ambulance and subsequently made a full recovery.
The officers and Mr Benson were nominated for a Chief Constable’s commendation by Inspector Alex Johnson.
He said: “The officers and Mr Benson undoubtedly saved a life that day through their quick-thinking and teamwork whilst under the greatest pressure.
“They all should remarkable skill in a tense and stressful situation in an ultimately successful attempt to save a man’s life.”
18 years for knife attack
Detectives who worked on a complex domestic abuse investigation which resulted in a woman being jailed for 18 years, have been commended by the Chief Constable.
A 53-year-old woman from Carlisle, was convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after attacking with a knife her partner whilst he slept and a child.
The officers commended were:
- DC Louise Telford
- DS Sarah Story
- DC Gabrielle Nicholson
- DC Kathryn Chestney
- DI Matt Belshaw
The investigation was complicated from the outset by an initial “DARVO” report – Deny, Attack and Reverse Victim and Offender – after the offender made an initial report stating she had been attacked and coaching the child to mislead police.
However, a thorough and professional investigation unravelled exactly what had occurred, proving that the offender had stabbed her partner whilst he slept before stabbing a young child, before inflicting injuries on herself.
The officers were put forward for the commendation by Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin.
He said: “The team of detectives worked tirelessly and with empathy and professionalism, in order to secure a significant sentence of imprisonment against the offender.
“This included working sensitively with the young child victim and working with CPS colleagues to ensure the evidence put forward was robust, resulting in a conviction being secured.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “It is important that we celebrate our police officers and staff and their amazing accomplishments and endeavours. They and their work is valued and very much appreciated.
“Blue Light Services are the first to put themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe. This has been proven to be so many, many times, and will, I suspect be so going forward. I understand the commitment and risks they face and want to thank every one of our officers for their bravery, courage and selflessness.
“Our police staff are also invaluable. They are the vital, key partners and enablers in a shared endeavour, they are the engine room that keeps the front line blue light services running.”
