Outstanding Police Officers And Staff Commended In South Worcs

South Worcestershire policing area has held a commendation evening to celebrate the outstanding work of police officers and staff protecting local communities. 

It took place at West Mercia Police Headquarters at Hindlip Hall, near Worcester, on Tuesday evening (21 August).

Superintendent's Commendations were presented by the local policing commander, Supt Steve Cullen, who said: "This was our opportunity to reward the tremendous work carried out by my staff and to mark the efforts of those whose achievements have stood out as being extra special.

"It was a terrific evening with the whole of the police family represented along with their families, and I'd like to recognise them too for the support they provide."

Among the commendations presented were:

Eckington house fire, PC Kenneth Hawkins and PC Lyn Hawkins

Ken and Lyn HawkinsOn 17 February 2012, PCs Ken and Lyn Hawkins, who are husband and wife, were part of the emergency services response to a major house fire in the village of Eckington.

The officers quickly obtained vital information from neighbours that allowed Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service officers about to search the property to go straight to a room where they found an unconscious elderly woman, thus avoiding a time-consuming and dangerous search of the property.

Both officers then assisted a paramedic with administering CPR to the woman and an unconscious elderly man who had already been rescued from the house.

They took turns with the chest compressions, supporting each other so that neither became fatigued, while the paramedic prepared for the arrival of a second ambulance. They continued their efforts for some 15 minutes prior to the ambulance's arrival.

Following the departure of both casualties from the scene, Ken and Lyn then continued with the investigation, which even involved going into the smoke and water damaged property to search for vital next of kin details.

Very sadly, despite the outstanding efforts of both officers, the couple later died in hospital. However, Lyn and Ken, who has since retired as an officer, deserve recognition for going beyond the call of duty in the primary role of a police officer, which is to preserve life.

Warndon armed robbery, CSO Kevan McNamee

Kevan McNamee and Supt Steve CullenOn 26 August 2011, as CSO McNamee was leaving Warndon Police Post, he saw a distraught woman, whom he recognised as working in a nearby Bookmakers, running from the shop and when she saw Kevan she stopped and told him it was being robbed. 

CSO McNamee immediately attempted to enter the shop and was confronted by a man running from it carrying a coin tray and with a hood covering his face.  Kevan attempted to detain him by holding on to his upper arms, but as he did so the man headbutted him to the side of his face, which left him stunned.  He ran off, dropping coins as he went.  

A second man wearing a balaclava ran passed CSO McNamee, screamed at him, before the two men ran to a waiting vehicle.  CSO McNamee alerted other officers and gave the vehicle registration and direction of travel via his radio. Nearby officers were able to locate the vehicle, arrest the robbers and recovered a weapon.

Inquiries revealed that an armed robbery had occurred where two men had entered the bookmakers and threatened staff with a piece of metal. The two offenders subsequently pleaded guilty to the robbery and were sentenced to three years and four years imprisonment while their driver was jailed for two and a half years.

CSO McNamee is commended for his bravery, professionalism and commitment at the scene of an armed robbery, despite being injured, which led to the early identification of offenders who were subsequently brought to justice.

Tenbury anti-drugs campaign, PC Adrian Hunting and PC Nicholas Prosser

Adrian Hunting (left) & Nicholas ProsserDuring 2011, PCs Adrian Hunting and Nicholas Prosser aimed to target drug users and dealers in the Tenbury area.  They were responsible for executing more than ten drugs warrants and the majority were successful and some had excellent results.

One warrant resulted in the seizure of nearly £3,000 worth of cannabis and more than £2,000 in cash while another uncovered a cannabis cultivation operation and others discovered cannabis and Class A drugs.

Both officers worked extremely hard planning this campaign, sourcing the intelligence and obtaining, planning and executing the warrants.

PCs Hunting and Prosser are commended for their dedication, keenness and hard work in reducing the amount of drugs for sale in the Tenbury area.

Worcester heroin overdose, PC Wayne Hurley

Wayne Hurley with Supt CullenPC Hurley, a local policing officer in Warndon, was patrolling the canal towpath on 26 May 2012, when he came across a distressed male who told him that his brother was lying unconscious in a nearby field. 

PC Hurley discovered the male was not  breathing and had no pulse. He instructed the male's friend on how to do mouth-to-mouth while he administered chest compressions until the arrival of paramedics eight minutes later.  PC Hurley continued to administer chest compressions until the man regained a pulse and could breathe unaided, although he did not regain consciousness at this time.

It transpired that the man was suffering from the effects of a heroin overdose and when paramedics administered novocaine to assist his recovery, the male regained consciousness.

As a result of PC Hurley's decisive action and early intervention the male was revived and walked away from the scene. Had it not been for  his speedy actions, the outcome may have resulted in far more tragic consequences.

Worcester river rescue; PCs Oliver Bowen-Jones, Richard Foxall and Duncan Jones; Comms Operator Gaynor Osborne

(L-R) Richard Foxall, Oliver Bowen-Jones, Duncan Jones and Gaynor OsborneOne night in May 2011, the Ambulance Service called police asking assistance to deal with a man in Worcester who was becoming increasingly volatile; he had taken an overdose and was refusing treatment. 

Within a matter of minutes a further call was received stating he had jumped in the river. A major operation was launched along with Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, and West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Fire officers launched three rescue boats each with a police officer also on board, PCs Oliver Bowen-Jones,  Richard Foxall And Duncan Jones. They attempted to negotiate with the man for some 50 minutes but to no avail: he had no intention of engaging with them, shouted and swearing as he armed himself with sticks that he threw at the boats.

Despite this, PC Jones managed to get hold of him, secure him and tow him to the riverside.  However, he still remained unwilling to comply and had to be restrained using emergency belts.  After a short time he became calm and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

This was a critical incident that occurred late at night in the dark, on a deep stretch of the River Severn and officers from all emergency services worked as a closely knit and professional team: all those involved played an essential part in bringing it to a successful conclusion.

Gaynor Osborne was the staff member who managed the incident from the Force Control Room and she was commended for her excellent incident management and communication skills.

PCs Bowen-Jones,  Foxall And Jones were commended for their bravery, calmness, professionalism in the face of antagonism and negotiation with an unco-operative male who continually swore and threw missiles at them.

Outstanding leadership in Malvern, Sergeant Jamie Francis

Sgt Jamie Francis with Supt CullenOver recent months Sgt Jamie Francis has demonstrated outstanding leadership on Malvern Response team. He has been involved in a number of incidents that have proved his outstanding ability not only to supervise, but lead from the front.

While working a night shift in October 2011 his team attended a report of a burglary in progress. Sgt Francis concentrated his efforts on locating the offender and spent three hours meticulously piecing together previous intelligence before attending a local address where he arrested the suspect, who was also wanted for recall to prsion, and recovered all of the stolen property. The offender was charged with 16 similar incidents and remains in custody.

In December 2011, Sgt Francis was off duty and driving home when he spotted a speeding vehicle that driving dangerously.  He reported the incident, giving a running commentary and provided a detailed statement, which resulted in the driver being charged with dangerous driving and possession of cannabis.

Sgt Francis was on lone patrol in February 2012 when he observed a car fail to stop at a red traffic light.  He followed and stopped it, arresting the driver for drink driving. A passenger was searched and was found to be in possession of 80 wraps of heroin and it later transpired that these were criminals travelling from the West Midlands who had come Worcesteshire  to deal drugs, but the actions of Sgt Francis ensured their activities were disrupted.

Sgt Francis was commended for his outstanding contribution to policing, his dedication to duty and his consistent leadership.

Policing major events in 2012, Sergeant Matthew Hooley

Matthew Hooley with Supt CullenOver the last year, Sergeant Matt Hooley has played a major role in planning for what has been an unprecedented period of high profile, large scale events, all of which required careful preparation and co-ordination.

This summer Worcestershire saw the Olympic Torch Relay travel through the county, culinmating in an event at Worcestershire CCC ground, a military parade as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations on 27 June  and a visit Worcester by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh's to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

Planning for these events needed consistent and carefully managed work, requiring the highest level of management, concentration, professional ownership and personal resilience.

The work Sgt Hooley completed required the highest levels of competence and professionalism to keep everyone safe, from tens of thousands of local people to the most important of visitors to the county.  

Sgt Hooley was commended for his professionalism during an exceptional, unique and challenging policing year.

The Edward Sheldon MBE Memorial Trophy, PC  David Shortell, Wychavon

David Shortell receives the Edward Sheldon Memorial TrophyPC David Shortell has been a police officer for 23 years, first at the Metropolitan Police and then West Midlands Police before joining West Mercia Police in 2004. He is currently a local policing officer in Evesham and works tirelessly with children from the town and across Wychavon.

PC Shortell has always had a close relationship with the community and set up and ran the Children's Kayak Charitable Trust in Wychavon, which teaches children to be responsible and self-confident through kayaking.  So far 7,000 children have taken part in the project.

PC Shortell also runs, in conjunction with Simon De Monfort Middle School in Evesham, the Brook Project, which aims to build and maintain a wildlife haven in an urban environment. 

PC Shortell engages with children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds in particular and uses the Brook Project as part of his work with local youngsters in the area of Community Resolution and Restorative Justice. 60 local children of all abilities are currently involved in the project.

PC Shortell also provides training in rock climbing and outdoor pursuits as well as supporting the elderly and vulnerable with garden clearance and gardening campaigns, which he also uses to support the Community Resolution process.

What is clear is PC Shortell total commitment to his community, his desire to make a difference and to be imaginative, resourceful and energetic. PC Shortell is an outstanding example of a dedicated officer who exemplifies the values of West Mercia Police and its commitment to its communities.

* Edward Sheldon MBE was Worcestershire County Councillor for Bowbrook division, Wychavon, until his death in September 2010. He was a member of West Mercia Police Authority and Chair of South Worcestershire Policing Board.

Issued: Friday 24 August 2012