A COMMUNITY support officer and volunteer chaplain from Wirral were among those recognised for their work in a police awards ceremony this week.
PCO Peter Shone and June McCulloch - both members of Bebington Community Policing Team - were among those celebrating achievement in the Merseyside Police Community First Awards on Wednesday night (November 16).
Now in its fifth year, the event - which took place at the Hilton in Liverpool - recognised the dedication, bravery and professionalism shown by people across the force, and from partner organisations, to support our communities, preventing crime, protecting people, and pursuing offenders.
This year more than 150 entries were received from Merseyside Police colleagues who nominated officers and staff for their outstanding work, as well as those who carry out invaluable duties alongside the force, to help the community.
The awards evening was hosted by Radio Merseyside presenter Roger Phillips.
Julie McCulloch, who is volunteer Chaplain in the Bebington Community Policing team, was named police volunteer of the year.
Julie (pictured, below, after receiving the award) said: "I am so proud to have won this award, not only for myself but for the chaplaincy team, we have a wonderful multi faith chaplaincy team at Merseyside Police, and also for the officers at Bebington police station, that I work with.
"It's lovely to be recognised and to know that something you do, particularly in a volunteer role, makes a difference to people."
Community Support Officer Peter Shone took home the community engagement award. He said: "I was up against some really good people and teams in the community engagement award category, so I feel so proud to have won. It means so much to me. I have won the award but the project I deliver has a whole, dedifcated team behind it who work so hard every day to make a difference and the work we do wouldn’t be possible without them."
Among the winners on the night were:
Constables Alex Crawford and Graeme Hurd, who were presented with bravery awards. The two responded after a concerned taxi driver reported a woman standing on the wrong side of the railings, next to Liverpool Ferry terminal, attempting to take her own life. While the constables were on route the woman jumped into the River Mersey, where the tide was high and the strong current was pulling her out to sea.
Alex quickly removed his body armour and equipment, and risking his own safety, jumped into the water to reach the woman, while Graeme communicated the urgency of the situation through his radio, requesting the Coastguard and ambulance services to respond quickly.
In the water, Alex was struggling to lift the woman out, but Graeme was able to pull them both to safety and immediately administer first aid. Thanks to the officers’ bravery, the woman’s life was saved that night and she was offered the help and support she needed.
Superintendent Diane Pownall was awarded police officer of the year. Throughout Diane Pownall’s 29 years' service, she has shown a real commitment and passion for policing and currently serves as the senior officer in charge of policing in Liverpool.
The full list of award winners is as follows:
Inclusion award:
The Travel Safe Team
Police staff employee of the year award:
Elizabeth Barrington
Police volunteer of the year award:
Julie McCulloch
Team of the year award:
Force Resource Unit
Protecting vulnerable people award:
Central Sex Offender Unit
Community engagement award:
PCSO Peter Shone
Tackling organised crime award:
Project Medusa
Wellbeing award:
Detective Constable Joanne Braithwaite, Detective Sergeant Lee Egerton and Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer
Community first partnership award:
Rob Jackson
Preventative policing award:
Constable Anna Hume
Police officer of the year:
Superintendent Diane Pownall
Force Rising Star award:
Sheridan Broddle
Bravery Award:
Constable Alex Crawford and Constable Graeme Hurd
The Police & Crime Commissioner's award:
Joanne Matthews
The Chief Constable’s Award:
Donna Dawber Donna Dawber, news and campaigns manager
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: "These awards are a celebration of the hard work, professionalism, and dedication that our officers, staff, volunteers and partners display day in, day out, to protect victims, prevent crime and serve the public. It is so important that these achievements are recognised and celebrated because policing and the work carried out to support our communities across Merseyside is by no means an easy job.
"The judges had a really difficult task choosing the winners, as everyone nominated was a worthy winner for their outstanding work and commitment, and for the difference they have made to keep people across Merseyside safe. I would like to congratulate and thank all the winners and nominees who go above and beyond every day to put our communities first."
Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "The Community First Awards were a fantastic evening. Hearing about the incredible bravery, dedication and selflessness of Merseyside Police officers, staff and volunteers and their outstanding work with partners to prevent and fight crime and support victims makes me incredibly proud. It’s so important we shine a light on the great work that is going on across Merseyside.
"I was also particularly pleased to present Jo Matthews with my award this year. She makes a huge contribution in the work to build stronger, safer communities in Liverpool and she is a very worthy winner."
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