Essex Police officers commended for outstanding work

TEN Essex Police officers have been honoured by the Chief Constable for helping lock away criminals for sexual assaults and for saving the lives of vulnerable people – among other outstanding work.

In August 2016, DCI Martin Pasmore, DI Daniel Stoten, DC Paul Keaney and DS Richard Trower were involved in an investigation into the manslaughter of a Polish man.

The detectives, along with their police staff colleague Sylwia Kasza, worked relentlessly to secure evidence and supported the victim’s family to get justice. The suspect was found guilty following trial and was put behind bars.

Two officers were also commended for their actions in February when they saved a woman who wanted to commit suicide. The officers attended an incident where a young woman was climbing over the barrier on the eighth floor of a car park in Colchester. They pulled her to safety and looked after her until the mental health team arrived.

Sgt Arin Andrews along with another officer was also commended after they climbed into the River Colne to rescue a woman who had tried to take her own life. She suffered from severe hypothermia but is now making a good recovery.

DCI Scott Cannon, DC Grant Hawkins and DS Carla Hillyer were honored for their involvement in an investigation where two woman were sexually assaulted in the Laindon area. The investigation secured 12 charges against the suspect, including charges from the Metropolitan Police Service dating back to 2003 and resulted in him receiving a 20-year custodial sentence.

They were all praised for their bravery and professionalism at a ceremony at Essex Police Headquarters in Chelmsford earlier this month (19 October).

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “At my first commendation ceremony as Chief Constable, we are celebrating ordinary individuals taking extra-ordinary steps to help save the lives of others, protect the vulnerable and keep the people of Essex safe.

“It might be what our officers, staff and volunteers do on a daily basis but their actions are courageous and I take great pride in being able to award them.”