Calderdale Divisional Awards

19 Nov 2007 11:33 AM The dedication, hard work, courage and quick-thinking of more than 35 people including detectives, patrol officers, police staff and members of the public are to be recognised at a divisional awards evening in Calderdale this week.

Superintendent Alan Ford, Acting Divisional Commander for Calderdale, is hosting the special event on Thursday, 22 November, 2007, to reward people for the excellent work carried out in a variety of investigations.

“These awards recognise the dedication of Calderdale police officers and staff to the public we serve,” said Supt Ford. “The evening is an opportunity to not only thank them for all their hard work, but to thank their families and friends for the support they give their loved ones.”

The following awards will be presented:

Divisional Commander's Commendations:

Inspector Dave Whitehouse for his prompt actions and assistance on 20th May, 2007 where he secured the arrest of a violent suspect who was believed to be armed with a weapon.

DC Michelle Clarke and DC Tony Chapman for their prompt actions and assistance in helping prevent a mentally ill man from committing suicide from North Bridge.

PC Michelle Cheney for her actions and assistance in preventing a man from jumping from Burdock Way Flyover.

PC Emma Cheshire, PC Amanda Sykes and PC Emma Leatherland for their prompt actions in Leeds City Centre on the 14th February, 2007 when they were off duty and facilitated the arrest of a man suspected of murder, who was possibly armed.

PC James Hemingway for his prompt actions whilst off duty on the 14th March, 2007 when he arrested a violent and aggressive man who was in the process of assault.

PC Richard Hoyle for his actions on the 18th June, 2006 when he prevented a man from jumping from North Bridge.

Mr Andrew Priestly, Mr Peter Hipwell and Mr Terry Sullivan in recognition of the outstanding success achieved in relation to the Force Property Weed Project.

Mr Stuart Sutcliffe - a member of the public - for his prompt actions on the 14th March, 2007 in which he attempted to detain a man who was in the process of a burglary, who was later arrested and found to have committed a large number of offences.

Certificates of Merit:

PS Jim Lynch and PC Kristine Law for their actions on the 10th April, 2007 in helping detain and arrest a burglary suspect who proved to be extremely violent in resisting arrest.

PS Colin Skeath and PC Gary Inman for their actions on the 27th May, 2007 in trying to resuscitate a man suspected of suffering a heart attack at the scene of a road traffic collision.

PC Lee Cooper, PC Graham Lord, PC Keith Daniels and PC Matthew Hamilton for their teamwork, commitment and determination over a ten day period which led to eight arrests being made during patrol work.

PC Samantha Walton and PC Craig Gallant for their actions on the 20th March, 2007 when they assisted in the arrest of an extremely violent man who was intent on self-harm.

HM Judge's Commendations:

DC Thomas Garnett - by his honour Judge Stewart QC at Leeds Crown Court on the 13th October, 2006.

DS Gary Stephenson, DC Rod Holmes, DC Brian Burke, DC Helen Hellawell, Victoria Jagger (Senior Intelligence Analyst) and Sandra Fisher (Casebuilder) for their difficult and patient police work resulting in the conviction of two men for attempted murder and firearms offences.

Certificate of Loyal Service:

DC Rod Holmes for 32 years service. DC Holmes retired in March 2007. He spent all his service in West Yorkshire Police, including time in Operational Support Unit, Odsal CID, Calder Valley CID and Special Branch, completing his time in Calderdale CID.

PS James Lynch for 31 years service. PS Lynch retired in June 2007. He spent all his service in West Yorkshire Police, including time in Halifax Traffic, Firearms Support Unit and Calderdale Traffic, completing his time in the force as an Evidence Review Officer in Calderdale.

Pennine Housing:

Mr Tom Miskell in recognition of his contribution towards the reduction of crime and disorder across Calderdale through partnership support.

The Horsfall Memorial Trophy in Recognition of Police Service to Local Communities:

PC Michael Herring was nominated for his award by two colleagues.

He has worked in Calderdale division for all of his police service (28+ years) serving at Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Halifax. He is currently employed as the community beat officer for the Skircoat and Saville Park ward areas.

His colleagues describe him as equally dedicated and enthusiastic for policing now as he was on the day he joined the Force. Mick has gone out of his way to forge links with local schools both within his own ward and beyond. He combines annual leave and duty time to accompany a group of children from Barkisland School on an outward bound holiday experience. He annually attends St Augustine's Primary School to spend a full day with younger children talking about the police service and building bridges with younger children.