Stories of policing bravery, dedication and innovation were celebrated on Monday 19th June, at a special awards ceremony at The Mansion House in Clifton, Bristol.
Police officers and staff from Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset were given accolades at the event, which was attended by Chief Constable Andy Marsh, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, the High Sheriff of Bristol Anthony Brown, and Angela Yeoman OBE.
Chief Constable’s Commendations are awarded for significant personal courage or initiative and / or commitment in the execution of duty far beyond what should normally be expected.
The commendations were awarded to: PC James Evans, PC Caroline Davey, DC David Ives, PC Sean Vine, Inspector Sarah Treweek, PC Daniel Wallwork, Anthony Unthank (now retired), Chief Inspector Paul Underhill, Inspector Clive Summerill, PCSO Brian Harris, PC Douglas Whapples, PC Michael Dyne, PC Jason Smith, PC Louise Newton, all from Avon and Somerset Constabulary; and PC Alan Kyne and Sergeant Scott Hill from Wiltshire Constabulary.
This team of officers and police staff were all involved in the initial stages of the investigation into the tragic tipper truck crash in Landsdown Lane in Bath in February 2015, which killed four people, including a four-year-old girl.
The 32 tonne truck went out of control on a descent into Weston Village, and struck a number of vehicles and pedestrians, and only came to a stop when it toppled onto its side. In addition to the four people who were killed, a number of people were seriously injured.
The officers arriving at the scene were confronted with devastation and chaos. The incident happened as children were leaving school and the area was very busy; people were panicking and traumatised.
The officers worked with professionalism and dedication, offering support and comfort to those involved, while ensuring a secure area was maintained and evidence preserved.
They secured witnesses and provided welfare checks and ensured the deceased were treated with dignity and respect, staying with them for a long time until they were removed from the scene.
The area remained secure and the road closed for three days, with officers all working tirelessly to secure the area and maintain cordons. This greatly aided what would become a complex 22 month investigation, which led to the conviction of two men for four counts of gross negligence manslaughter in December 2016.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “As the Queen said recently in her birthday celebrations, it’s a sombre time for the country at the moment.
“But today is a chance to reflect on all the amazing and important work you do. I don’t get the chance often enough to say thank you, so it’s wonderful to have that opportunity today.
“In my view there are three things which make the world of policing go round: firstly, it’s knowing that this is one of the most important roles you will do in your lives, right at the heart of society; secondly, you have optimism and hope that the future can be better, and you help the people you deal with to feel this way too; and thirdly, you do your job with caring and compassion in your heart. Thank you for all that you do.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mounstevens said: “The Chief Constable has used words today like ‘jaw-dropping’ to describe what you do, and he is right. The work you do is so important. You get up in the morning, not knowing what you’re going to be faced with at work.
I’m delighted to be here and so proud to share this special day with you, your friends and family.
“I, like most people here, watched the coverage of the Landsdown Lane incident in Bath with horror and sadness. I could turn the news off, but you couldn’t and what you saw that day will stay with you forever.
“You are indicative of and represent all that’s great about everyone who works for Avon and Somerset Constabulary. Well done.”