Police Special Constables, cadets and volunteers across Bath have been praised for their invaluable work in supporting Avon & Somerset Police and their communities.
Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, speaking at the first joint North East Reward Ceremony, said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to all volunteers for what you do keep our communities safe.
“You are invaluable and play a vital role and I believe that it is only through volunteers that we are able to maintain the service that we can give. The police service wouldn’t be where it is without you.”
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Julian Moss said: “We have heard stories of wonderful commitment and courage and I am in awe of you for what you do and your amazing dedication.
“You are a key part of the policing family and we simply couldn’t do the job without you.”
The ceremony was held at the Guildhall in Bath on Thursday evening, 8th January, with guests including the Mayor of Bath, Cllr Cherry Beath, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Thomas Frost and the High Sheriff of Somerset, Richard Lloyd.
A minute’s silence was observed for French police officers killed in this week’s terrorist attack in Paris.
North East District Commander Caroline Peters also praised the volunteers, especially the cadets.
She said: “It’s wonderful to see young people getting involved and giving something back to the community. You do a marvellous job and hopefully learn a great deal at the same time.”
The ceremony was told that in South Gloucestershire in 2014, Special Constables gave 15,000 hours, the equivalent of seven full-time officers.
They made 157 arrests, took 179 statements, carried out 25 searches and attended 215 domestic incidents.
In Bath and North East Somerset they gave 7,000 hours, equating to four full-time officers, making 60 arrests. Special constables were on duty at the Bath Half Marathon, at the Glastonbury Festival and at weekends policing the area’s pubs and clubs night-time economy.
The award winners were:
- Police Support Volunteer of the Year (BANES) – PCSO Rob Hendra
- Police Support Volunteer of the Year (South Glos) – Chris Smith
- Police Cadet of the Year (BANES) – Brioney Evans
- Police Cadet of the Year (South Glos) – Sapphire Shoferpoor
- Special Historic Recognition (BANES) – Paula Kielthy
- Outstanding Contribution to the SC (BANES) – S/Sgt Guy Douglas
- Outstanding Contribution to the SC (BANES) – Sgt Clive Summerill
- Outstanding Contribution to the SC (South Glos) – S/Sgt Wayne Macey
- Outstanding Contribution by Regs to the SC (South Glos) – Sgt Andrew Hucker
- Probationer certificates, S/Sgt John Jackson and SC Josh Phipps
- Probationer of the Year (BANES) – SC Daniel Sims
- Probationer of the Year (South Glos) – SC Josh Burnell
- Special Officer of the Year (Banes) – S/Sgt Dave Hayward
- Special Officer of the Year (South Glos) – SC Hugh Smithson
- Long Service Award – Martin Harris
There was also an award and a standing ovation to South Gloucestershire Special Chief Inspector Derek Hood who has retired after 30 years.