Cops commended for bravery, commitment and excellence
ESSEX Police officers have been celebrated in this year’s force awards which saw the force’s brightest and best commended for their bravery, commitment and excellence.
A record number of individuals and teams were nominated for the Essex Police Awards in Chelmsford. Pictured with chief constable Stephen Kavanagh is Sgt Hayley Lambert who took home the Wilson Trophy in recognition of the most commendable or meritorious act during the year.
Sgt Lambert, based at Harwich, saved the life of a woman who was trying to leap from a bridge over the A12 and was also commended for “displaying outstanding actions during other incidents involving difficult circumstances”. She is described as an absolute credit to Essex Police, consistently showing a high level of courage.
Basildon Retail Crime Unit were named Team of the Year for achieving, amongst other successes, the best district shoplifting solved rate out of all the LPAs – 74.68 per cent against a target of 63.26 per cent.
The winner of the Liam Brigginshaw Award – given to those showing outstanding commitment to the force – cannot be identified but is described by colleagues as a “truly excellent detective” who is highly respected and responsible for securing the convictions and lengthy prison sentences of serious criminals.
And the Police Officer of the Year award went to a female South Local Policing Area officer – although her operational role means she cannot be identified.
Special Inspector Alexander Ward was named Special Constable of the year.
Colchester’s DI Hayley King took home the Millard Trophy after she worked tirelessly with other agencies to ensure victims of sexual assault received a consistently high level of service and support, according to the force, often outside her working hours.
Sgt Paul Costin, based at Basildon, won the Anthony Peel Trophy for his work reducing and enforcing scrap metal crimes and legislation working with Trading Standards and the British Transport Police.
DC Phil Merriam, from the Chelmsford headquarters, took home the Diversity Trophy. In his role as hate crime and performance review officer, DC Merriam has improved the service the force gives to victims of hate crime and is helping to improve public confidence in Essex Police’s ability to respond to such incidents, the force said.
Mark Smith, chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “I congratulate all the winners. For every winner who collected an award, there are many, many officers working just as hard for the public of Essex.”
Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: “These awards were about showing our staff they are appreciated. The officers, staff and volunteers do a difficult and often dangerous job and it is great to be able to give them recognition for the excellent work that they do.
“We often hear about the negative side of policing but at this event we have heard some truly humbling stories of dedication and commitment to the people of Essex. Everyone at the awards should feel justly proud of their achievements and I say again a big well done and thank you to all those who are doing a fantastic job for Essex.”
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