DEDICATED police officers, staff and members of the public from across Somerset have been recognised for their hard work and bravery at an awards ceremony.

The Somerset Policing Awards which took place at Clevedon Court on Friday, April 7, included Chief Constable’s Commendations, Royal Human Society (RHS) and Waley-Cohen awards.

They were presented by chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police Andy Marsh, and the High Sheriff of Somerset, Mr Richard Hickmet He said: “I am delighted to have presented these awards.

"We have an excellent police force in Somerset. I have worked with them in various capacities over the years and the public should be reassured that we do have one of the best.

“It is very important that the public work with the police. They need to get involved and these awards show that they have supported the police and their communities, demonstrating in these cases both courage and commitment. Well done to everyone”.

DC Lisa Furby was presented with a Chief Constable’s Commendation for her work with The Blue Light Programme, which aims to improve mental health support for emergency services personnel.

Four members of staff from Avon and Somerset’s Business Intelligence Team also received a Commendation for their work to develop a new business intelligence system, Qlik Sense, which is helping to improve the way the force manages risk, resources and performance, ultimately improving service to our communities.

Staff member Teresa Regan was recognised by the chief constable for her work to help embed vital organisational learning and cultural change within the constabulary.

Her work on hate crime has been exceptional and has had a direct and positive impact on local communities.

Mr Steven Foxley, from Bridgwater, received an RHS Commendation. Steven saved the life of a man who was trying to commit suicide at Highbridge.

The man was very distressed and Steven took time to engage and talk to him, before taking decisive action, putting himself at risk, to save the man’s life and stop him throwing himself in front of a train.

Stephen added: “I am really pleased to have been given the award but I think anyone would have done the same in my position. I didn’t think twice, I just knew I had to stop him and save him.”

Two members of the public were honoured with Waley Cohen awards during Friday’s ceremony.

Mr Robin Gibbon was presented with the award for his bravery in dealing with a violent man who assaulted a member of hospital staff in Bridgwater.

Mr David Kenyon was commended for his work in chairing the Rural Crime Forum for two years, championing the needs of the rural community and supporting the Force in our efforts to tackle rural crime.

David said: “I am delighted to have received this award. I hope it highlights the work of the Rural Crime Forum, a group who work with the police to tackle and deal with rural crime on behalf of our communities. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to be the chair for the last two years.

PC Kevin Sugg, from the Yeovil Patrol Team, was off-duty and travelling on the M5 with his family in March of last year, when he saw a lady on a bridge across the motorway.

It was clear she was about to commit suicide.

He climbed up a bank to the bridge to reach her and was able to pull her back to safety, but as a result of having taken drugs she started to have a seizure.

PC Sugg administered first aid until paramedics arrived and the lady survived.

PC Sugg saved the woman’s life twice that day and for his quick thinking and courage he received an RHS Award.

PC Sugg said: “My wife was the one who spotted the lady to begin with and she was the one who helped stop the traffic on the motorway, which allowed me to be able to get up to the distressed woman and help her.

"This is as much her award as mine. She is a member of police staff and by keeping a cool head, we were able to work together to do what we did.”

PCSOs Michelle Barratt and Alex Humphries, from Weston Police Station, received a Royal Humane Society Commendation for their efforts to save a woman who collapsed of a heart attack in Weston-Super-Mare in September 2016.

Due to their First Aid skills, they were able to extend the lady’s life enough for her family to get to her in hospital before she passed away a few days later.

PCSO Humphries commented: “I am very honoured to have been given this award, I wasn’t expecting it. But I am really pleased.”

PCSO Barratt added: “We were stopped by a member of the public and it was slightly chaotic when we arrived. However, we knew what we had to do. Alex had only been on the beat for six days so she did really well being so new in the job.”

Chief constable Andy Marsh said: “It is an absolute privilege and, without a doubt, one of the very best parts of my role as chief constable, to be able to recognise and honour acts of bravery, tenacity, hard work and compassion such as these.

“Officers and staff across Avon and Somerset achieve remarkable things in the course of their daily business, and regularly go above and beyond the call of duty. It’s a pleasure to be able to recognise and mark some of those achievements.

“It’s also an honour to meet remarkable members of the public who demonstrate bravery and dedication to their communities and to be able to thank them sincerely for their contribution and assistance.”

Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I would like to congratulate all the award winners, who have truly gone above and beyond the call of duty. They deserve the recognition for their extraordinary efforts and should be really proud of their achievements.

“The awards are always a welcome reminder of the dedication, bravery and care shown throughout the constabulary and highlight the good work being done on a daily basis.

"I want to thank all of the individuals recognised for their continued efforts in keeping our local communities safe.”

Award details:

  • Chief Constable’s Commendations are the highest level award given by the force. They are reserved for exceptional acts or work by officers and staff.
  • Waley-Cohen Awards are for members of the public who perform a meritorious action in support of law and order.
  • The Royal Human Society grants awards for acts of bravery in the saving of human life and the restoration of life by resuscitation.