Police officers recognised at the force’s Annual Awards
ESSEX Police has recognised its bravest and most innovative frontline officers at the force’s annual awards ceremony at Chelmsford City Racecourse.
Chief Constable Steven Kavanagh congratulated the winners of the 16 categories, including Police Officer of the Year, which went to DS Clayton Ford, who has been supervising more than 90 high-risk child abuse investigations.
More than 200 officers, staff and volunteers attended the gala dinner, which was held on Tuesday 11 October.
“Nights like tonight are vital for the future prosperity of our force,” said Mr Kavanagh. “To be able to celebrate the passion and commitment shown by our officers and staff behind the scenes day in and day out is something really special. They deserve all the credit that comes their way.”
He noted that Essex is the poorest funded police force per head in the country, but said the courageousness of his team was “admirable”.
“Tonight has been humbling and inspiring. This is a complex and changing county but we continue to police it with pride and dignity,” he said.
The Wilson Trophy award, which is given to an officer who has gone above and beyond in the call of duty, was awarded to PC David Bridge, a dog handler based at Danbury, who rescued a woman with a history of mental health issues from the North Sea in June.
Despite it being high tide at 1am in the morning, PC Bridge jumped over a sea wall and into the water to save the woman, who had open wounds on both her wrists. With his quick-thinking skills, he managed to persuade her to come back on to dry land by asking if she wanted to meet his dog Diesel.
Speaking to Essex Live, he said: “I am so honoured and proud to have won this award. It is a real shock. I was just doing my job; I don’t consider myself a hero.”
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