Dedicated Officers and Staff Thanked at North & West Devon Awards Ceremony
Officers, staff and volunteers from North & West Devon Local Policing Area gathered at the end of April to receive certificates for their bravery and commitment in serving the public.
The group of Devon & Cornwall Police employees are people who have gone above and beyond to keep others safe.
Superintendent Toby Davies, Local Commander for the North & West Local Policing Area of Devon & Cornwall Police, handed out certificates to those commended in the company of Chief Inspector Graham Thomas and some of the local Sector Inspectors, as well as members of the CID team.
Supt Davies said: “The evening was a good opportunity to shine a light on some of the hard work and bravery which takes place daily across our area. We want to recognise the fantastic dedication of our staff, volunteers and members of the public who often go over and above to keep local communities safe.”
The recipients included:
Police Constable Hazel Wallwork – Local Policing Area Commander’s Certificate
Police were called to an address in Torridge after reports of an elderly man holding a knife and threatening to harm himself.
The officer was able to enter the home through an open window and take up a position in the partner's room, having the presence of mind to ask the man’s partner to sketch the layout of the address to assist police armed colleagues outside. PC Wallwork managed to engage with the man until he surrendered the knife. The officer demonstrated considerable courage placing themselves between a member of the public and an armed man. Her actions are testament to her physical courage and policing skills.
Detective Constable Bradley Stow – Local Policing Area Commander’s Certificate
While on his way to work DC Bradley Stow saw a man in crisis climb over the railings of an overbridge, placing himself in a life-threatening position. DC Stow engaged with the man over a period of time developing rapport and offering support. With DC Stow’s encouragement the vulnerable man was persuaded to climb back to safety. DC Stow was able to safely restrain the man and, through his quick thinking and professionalism, prevented him from coming to very serious harm. The man was then offered the support he needed.
Detective Inspector Gary Matthews, Detective Sergeant John Crewe, Detective Constables Anna Lewis and Bradley Stow – Local Policing Area Commander’s Certificates
Operation Mosslamp was the investigation into an attempted murder. The victim had received multiple life-threatening stab wounds to the back of the head and neck and was unconscious.
DI Matthews, DS Crewe, DC Lewis & DC Stow conducted a complex investigation that was particularly challenging as the suspect was a 14-year-old child with vulnerable needs. The investigation utilised specialist investigative support for evidence gathering and collaboration with the local safeguarding agencies. The suspect was convicted of attempted murder.
The officers were recognised by prosecuting counsel for their dedication and professionalism, whilst not losing sight of the emotional impact it had on the victim and their family.
Police Constable Rhys Aven – Local Policing Area Commander’s Certificate
PC Aven undertook a significant and diligent search of a large area and, with little regard for his own safety, undertook actions and gave first aid while awaiting specialist resources.
While working alone, Rhys located a suicidal man and delivered life-saving first aid and alerted other officers to his whereabouts.
PC Aven is young in service and delivered fantastic service to the public, namely the injured party, but also the family of that person, preventing the heartache of losing a loved one in tragic circumstances.
Police Constables Daniel Rolfe, Tamsin Browne and Jamie Rawle – Local Policing Area Commander’s Certificates
PCs Rolfe, Browne, and Student Officer Rawle attended a report from a concerned member of the public who had seen a lady jump from a bridge into the river.
This incident was during the winter, the air temperature was below freezing, and the river was swollen with flood water. Without hesitation PCs Rolfe and Browne entered the water to bring the distressed female to safety, with PC Rawle on the safety line. It was clear that the woman could not have held on much longer and without intervention would most likely have perished. The officers are commended for their teamwork, collective bravery and selflessness.
Sarah Connar Domestic Abuse Investigation Support Officer – Local Policing Area Commander's Certificate
During the Covid pandemic Sarah took responsibility for the safeguarding of a high risk victim of honour based domestic violence. Working with support agencies, the local authority and charities, and taking the time to build a trusting relationship with her Sarah was able to relocate the woman and her child out of the area, secure her engagement with the investigating team and significantly mitigate the risk of further harm and kidnap. This was a particularly challenging set of circumstances and her dedication to duty and professionalism in the effective safeguarding of an honour-based violence victim are to be commended.
Former Police Community Support Officer Simon Barrett and member of the public Gavin Lane – Chief Superintendent’s Commendations
Despite the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Simon and Gavin have worked to develop a bespoke training package aimed at diverting young people away from the criminal justice system.
Working on a non-profit basis the pair established sessions whereby young people could experience one-to-one training for free. During these sessions Gavin and Simon took the opportunity to engage with the youngsters, questioning their decision making and instilling in them a sense of discipline and confidence. This gave the participants the skills to choose a different path in life.
Police Constable Robert Trott – Chief Superintendent’s Commendation
While on patrol in Barnstaple in January last year PC Trott saw a man leaving a Texaco petrol station wearing a balaclava and carrying a knife and an axe. PC Trott, who was working alone, chased the man into a dark alleyway and managed to deploy taser and arrest him.
The offender had subjected staff at the petrol station to a knifepoint robbery immediately prior to the officer’s intervention and stolen alcohol after being unable to access the till contents. PC Trott's brave actions are the very best representation of selfless, proactive policing. He deployed his skills and training to the highest standard and should be commended.
Police Constables Adam Summers, Matthew Webb, Paul Morby, Ewan Huggons and Peter Hyde along with Detective Constables James Punter and Bradley Stow and Police Sergeants Robert Wilson and Natalie Newson, as well as Detective Inspector Adam Bond – Chief Superintendent’s Commendations
In August 2022 police were called to reports of a man holding his partner hostage at knife point, barricaded inside an address. On arrival the officers faced constant threats against their own lives. Working under extreme pressure, they rescued the victim unharmed and arrested the suspect, showing great courage and professional skill. Following a thorough and effective investigation by CID the man was charged and remanded in custody the following day. He was sentenced to six years in prison, with an indefinite restraining order to protect the vulnerable victim who is safe thanks to the officers’ commendable actions.
Police Constable Chris Spence – Chief Superintendent’s Commendation
In Autumn last year PC Spence instigated Operation Littleport, an anti-shoplifting initiative in Bideford town centre. He worked tirelessly to pursue, arrest and investigate four prolific offenders and policing targets and his hard work resulted in 53 detected theft and burglary offences which led to numerous charges, convictions, prison sentences and ultimately a very high detection rate. His efforts made a significant impact in the retail environment and local community, which was recognised and commented positively on by Bideford town centre partners. PC Spence’s actions subsequently contributed to a welcome decline in acquisitive crime and anti-social behaviour over the Christmas period.
Detective Constable James Punter – Chief Superintendent’s Commendation
Police arrested two men at a known ‘cuckoo’ address being overrun by county line dealers. Almost 90 street deals of Class A drugs were recovered, along with over £1,000 cash. DC Punter undertook the investigation, identifying the pair were part of the established ‘River Line’ drug network. Through liaison with The Metropolitan Police Service DC Punter identified the men were working for another dealer above them. All three offenders were charged and, after a complex crown court trial, they were convicted of drug supply, flooding North Devon with drugs from London. They were sentenced to a collective 14yrs and seven months imprisonment.
Special Constable Matt Chamberlain – Volunteer Award
Matt is a committed and professional Special Constable who is highly motivated and recently expanded his skills by joining the Roads Policing Team. This has meant taking part in significant and timely training in addition to his regular duty hours. In addition, he has been involved in launching and developing Barnstaple Police Cadets as an Adult Leader. This local unit simply wouldn’t exist today without his support. Matt balances his voluntary activities with working full time and being a father to his son Ollie. Matt’s commitment to Devon & Cornwall Police and the community is truly outstanding.
Police Constable Mish White – Student Award
Mish has consistently demonstrated a level of competency significantly beyond what would be expected with her time in service. Mish takes pride in both serving the community and the quality of her work – she is often found in the parade room completing handovers and processes beyond the scheduled end of her shift to ensure she delivers the best possible product. Despite Mish being a student officer herself, she is highly regarded by both peers and new students, diligently offering her support and advice to ensure they and the wider sector attains the highest standards.
Mish is a top performing student officer and should be proud of what she has already achieved within West Devon and the wider Local Policing Area.
Police Constable Liam Smith – Student Award
Liam’s commitment, professionalism and empathy belies his length of police service and provides a clear insight into his natural instincts to protect, support and assist those in need. Liam routinely goes above and beyond, utilising his previous military experience and level-headed approach to implement sensible and considered practical policing in any given situation.
Over the past year, Liam has received a number of appreciation letters along with chocolates and flowers from an array of people, all incredibly complimentary and thankful for his intuitive approach to their circumstance. Liam leads with his heart on a daily basis and this selfless, personable, compassionate approach is recognised by the many he has helped, he is worthy of this recognition.
Police Constable James Pryor – Student Award
James is a reliable and well thought of response officer working in Barnstaple who truly exemplifies the standards required, presenting himself as a dedicated and trustworthy colleague. James has taken the initiative around response vehicle availability, which has required problem solving at sector and force level around the maintenance and general upkeep of police response vehicles.
PC Pryor is commended for his work ethic and due diligence to his role as constable.
Police Constable Beth Hunt – Student Award
Beth has approached her placement to Op Moonstone (a police unit dealing with Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women) with positivity and enthusiasm, enhancing her knowledge and understanding of the role to produce good standards of investigation and files resulting in some excellent results for victims.
PC Hunt is described as a team player, is always keen to assist others and nothing is too much to ask. Her ability to work efficiently unsupervised is a credit to her level of service and is an example of her exemplary work ethic. PC Hunt is described as an asset to the organisation and a true pleasure to work with.
Members of the public Emma Hurved, Scott Wharton and Luke Matthews – Local Policing Area Commander’s Certificate
The trio were praised for helping a suicidal man who was threatening to jump from a bridge over the River Taw. They stayed with the man until the ambulance crew arrived. They were all awarded certificates for their bravery and compassion.
PC Callum South, PC Robert Trott, Paramedic Martyn Goff-Jones, Paramedic Jacqueline Hemmings-Anthony, Paramedic Alan Baker, PC Daniel Beazley, PC Robert Toms and PC Tavis Fairlie – Local Policing Area Commander’s Certificate
The group were all involved in a serious incident in autumn last year following reports of a domestic assault. A vulnerable man had taken an overdose and was threatening to harm himself further. The engagement with the man and swift actions of those present led to a life being saved.
