Outstanding acts of bravery and dedication were recognised on Wednesday 12th March at the Suffolk Constabulary Awards Ceremony.

More than 30 awards were presented to police officers, police staff and members of the public.

Some examples of awards given include:

Chief Constable’s Commendations:
Pc Leanne Fairweather and Pc Jordan Giddins will receive Chief Constable’s Commendations for their brave and swift actions on 10th August 2007. In response to a 999 call from a member of the public, they attended a house in Hollesley where an alarm was sounding, smoke was coming from the property and onlookers had been unable to raise the occupant. Arriving before the Fire and Rescue Service and finding the smoke-filled house secured, they forced entry and in reduced visibility, searched the house. The occupant was eventually found in the front room, where they roused him and led him to safety.

Acting Sergeant Christopher Clark and Pc David Colbridge will receive Chief Constable’s Commendations for their prompt professional actions when they located a missing male person, known to be suicidal, in Lowestoft. On seeing the officers, the person’s response was to descend a flight of steps into the sea. The tide was in and waves of 15ft were breaking on the sea wall. A/Sgt Clark took a life preserver located nearby and joined Pc Colbridge at the bottom of the steps where the male had entered the water. They were faced with a shingle gully between two high sea defence walls.

When trying to reach the male with the rope and communicate with him they were being sucked into the sea with the movement of the waves and shingle. It was only when a large wave broke and picked up the male that the officers were able to take hold of him and drag him up the steps to safety, by which time he was unconscious.

Having responded to resuscitation the male was taken to hospital, subsequently making a full recovery.

Pc David Horne will receive Chief Constable’s Commendation in recognition of the calm and professional manner displayed during an incident on 31 December 2007. In an extremely stressful and dangerous incident on the A14 Orwell Bridge at Ipswich, his professionalism allowed him to communicate with and approach a female, sitting on the parapet of the Orwell Bridge, who was intent on taking her own life by jumping off the bridge. He showed great compassion and perseverance when conversing with her for over an hour, which enabled him to achieve a position whereby he was able to save her life through positive action. His calm approach, courage and sensitivity were exemplary.

The Sheepshanks Trophy:
This year, PCSO Jacqueline Abbott has won this award in recognition of her consistent high level of performance to the communities covered by Leiston and Aldeburgh Safer Neighbourhood Team, whilst achieving a balance between community contact, crime reduction and law enforcement.

Chief Constable’s Certificate of Appreciation:
A number of members of the public will received the Chief Constable’s Certificate of Appreciation, including:

Mrs Jan Brittain - For her public-spirited actions when on 11th October 2007 she conducted CPR on a male person in Sudbury who had collapsed prior to the arrival of paramedics as well as comforting a distressed relative at the scene.

Miss Annette Roberts - For her public-spirited actions when on Friday 26th October 2007 she witnessed a robbery at a shop in Norwich Road, Ipswich, in which an elderly female was robbed of her purse. She gave chase and eventually caught the offender receiving minor injuries and detained them until the police arrived.

The Cheryl Lloyd Award:
Sergeant Tamlyn Burgess, Professional Development Unit Supervisor, based at Bury St. Edmunds, has won this award in recognition of her dedication and commitment, which has been of the highest standard, incorporating exceptional organisational and problem solving skills. She has shown that she can be decisive when required as well as caring and supportive with all staff. She clearly achieves results and is an exceptional role model.