A team of Special Constables willing to tackle anything, a Cadet who champions community volunteering and a Special Sergeant who dedicated 22 years of her life to the force were among those commended at the Chief Constable's Commendation Awards ceremony last Thursday (15 November).
Chief Constable Simon Cole hosted the ceremony and presented awards to officers, staff and volunteers who had been nominated by colleagues and members of the public for their outstanding work.
Superintendent Natalee Wignall, lead for Volunteers in Policing, said: “The Chief Constable holds the awards each year to celebrate the outstanding work of members of the force, and some of these inspirational people are volunteers. They choose to dedicate their own time to come in and support us, while often working full-time jobs or attending school or college. Their contribution is tremendous and these awards are a brilliant opportunity for us to show our gratitude. I can’t thank them enough for their support.”
The awards for volunteers, specials and cadets were kindly sponsored by David Saville, former Chair of the Police Authority.
*Saville Shield 2018 Winner - Central Leicester Dedicated Neighbourhood Team (DNT) Specials *
The Central Leicester Specials have truly embedded themselves into local policing and are keen to support the Central Leicester Neighbourhood area in any way they can.
Recently the team have been involved reducing violent crime in the city. They accompanied a drugs dog around the city to stop and search individuals suspected of possessing illegal substances. Their work recovered not only drugs, but also weapons, which if used could have had fatal consequences.
The team hasn’t just contributed to operations, but have also provided consistent support to the day-to-day policing of the City Centre.
PC Andy Gardner works on the City Centre DNT and said: “The team’s dedication to come in for our operations, events and general duties is exceptional, and they are a credit to the city. Their tremendous contribution has improved the effectiveness and capability of the City Centre Neighbourhood Team, and each and every one of them has made a positive difference to our community.”
*Saville Award 2018 Winner – Volunteer Police Cadet Reece Jordan*
16-year-old Reece is a very committed and enthusiastic police cadet, who in the past year has volunteered an impressive 397 hours to Leicestershire Police, while also taking his GCSE exams and volunteering for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
He willingly gives up his weekends to participate in cadet events, and on multiple occasions has assisted City Centre Police Community Support Officer’s (PCSOs) to provide high visibility reassurance and crime prevention advice to community members.
Members of the public are always happy to see Reece out at events, and he has already started to get to know the area and make contacts on the beat. He’s also recently been appointed as Lord Lieutenant Cadet for the year, which means he’ll support Lord Lieutenant Mike Kapur at ceremonial events. Reece is a brilliant role model for cadets and young people everywhere.
After winning the award Reece said: “When I heard my name read out I felt really proud of myself, and I knew that all of my hard work had paid off. I’m thankful for everyone who has believed in me, and especially my Cadet Leader Jade for nominating me.”
*Saville Trophy 2018 Winner - Patrick Dunham*
Pat joined the Coalville Neighbourhood Team in February 2005 and was a Police Support Volunteer until he sadly passed away in November 2017.
During his time with the force he helped out with countless activities and community events and was a great support to his fellow volunteers.
The team could always call on Pat at the last minute, and he’d be there, happy to assist with anything. His IT expertise was a great asset, and he spent many hours sitting with other volunteers showing great patience and fortitude while explaining the mysteries of the online world.
Pat is remembered by his team as a perfectionist with a dry sense of humour, a true gentleman who was reliable and helpful. He was part of the policing family and dearly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with him.
Pat’s wife, Vicki, attended the Awards Night and accepted the award on his behalf.
*Saville Cup 2018 Winner - Debbie Rawlinson*
Special Sergeant Debbie Rawlinson joined Leicestershire Police on 29th October 1996 and has dedicated 22 years of excellent service. She spent a decade as an operational officer, and was commended on multiple occasions for her excellent work.
In 2006 her role transferred to the Learning and Development team, where she immersed herself in assisting to train newly appointed special constables. She also took on a welfare role within the Special Constabulary, and addressed any issues with officer attendance and performance in a wholly supportive way.
Debbie said: “I will continue to support the special officers as long as I can. I’m still passionate about my role supporting the Special Constabulary. During the last 22 years the special constabulary has developed beyond belief, and so have people’s perceptions of specials. I found my niche in training, I loved it and could have a real say. The welfare of officers is so important, and I’m proud to be able to visit each station and chat with them.”
If you’d like to join the force as a police support volunteer, special constable or police cadet, please visit *leics.police.uk/couldyou* for information on how you can apply today.
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