Outstanding officers recognised at South Devon Police Awards

Devon & Cornwall Police officers from South Devon have been recognised for outstanding achievement at an awards ceremony in Torquay. Joined by family, friends and colleagues, officers from various departments were recognised by senior leaders for going above and beyond in their duties as officers.

Attendees at the Livermead Hotel in Torquay heard commendations for around twenty officers, with stories of great bravery in dealing with situations such as knife wielding individuals, dangerous situations and performing lifesaving first aid.

There were also officers who were commended for showing ingenuity, such as acting on their own initiative to save thousands of hours of police time by implementing a new way of working or finding new ways to help in crime prevention tactics.

The awards also incorporated the PCSO 20th Anniversary Medal Ceremony, where South Devon Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) were presented with medals in recognition and celebration of the 20-year anniversary of PCSOs in Devon.

The PCSO role began in Devon in 2003, and over two decades PCSO’s have become a vital part of neighbourhood policing.

South Devon Commander, Chief Superintendent Roy Linden, who hosted the awards said- “I feel privileged to have been able to play a part in recognising so many incredible achievements.

The actions of these officers and staff range from incredibly moving and harrowing accounts of the support provided to the public at times of crisis, to ones of innovation and self-sacrifice.  Each event had one thing in common, officers and staff who showed compassion, selflessness, bravery and the will to go above and beyond in support of the public.

I am also pleased that we could celebrate the vital work that PCSO’s do on a daily basis.  Over the last twenty years they have been the bedrock of community policing in Devon and Cornwall, from their visible presence on the streets to building long term relationships with communities.  Like the communities they service, they are our eyes and ears and their local knowledge is a vital component of crime prevention and investigation.

Thank you to all the individuals subject to an award, and to the families and friends who were also there to share in their achievements”.