THE dedication of Essex Police’s volunteer police officers has been recognised at an annual awards ceremony.
Certificates and awards were presented to members of the Special Constabulary who have shown outstanding commitment and reached significant milestones in their length of service at a ceremony on Saturday, October 1, 2011.
Those recently promoted to the rank of Special Sergeant and Special Inspector were also presented certificates at the ceremony at Essex Police Headquarters.
Amongst the winners were Peter Foley who works in South Ockendon. He received the Salter Cup for completing 1543 hours of duty – the greatest number completed by any Special Constable or Special Sergeant between April 2010 and March 2011.
Rebecca Jenkins, who works in Laindon, was presented the Norman Dooley Trophy for showing exceptional skill, courage and determination in dealing with a situation.
Rebecca had been returning from a training session at Essex Police Headquarters in Chelmsford when she came across a road collision on the A127 involving two vehicles, both of which were carrying young children.
She remained at the scene, keeping the children and their parents calm until paramedics and road policing officers arrived.
The final award of the day, the Chief Officers’ Award, went to Jeanette Rose who was judged to have best represented and promoted the Special Constabulary.
Jeanette, who works in Shrub End, Colchester, supports her regular colleagues by taking witness statements and runs training sessions in statement taking for new special constables.
She is described by colleagues as ‘a reliable, diligent and consummate professional’ as well as ‘an unsung hero’.
Derek Hopkins, Temporary Chief Officer of Essex Police Special Constabulary, said: “Saturday’s event recognised the tremendous contribution made by all volunteer Special Constables to the policing of the communities of Essex and highlighted some truly exceptional performances.
“The range of awards recognise those who have given an amazing amount of time in the last year, those who have gone above and beyond, those who have passed significant milestones in terms of length of service and those who have shown themselves willing and able to take on the additional responsibilities of promotion.
“As we face the challenges of our changing society I am confident that Essex Police Special Constabulary can continue to deliver a first class service.”
