Annual Chief Constable's Awards recognise excellence, bravery and professionalism

Police officers, police staff and members of the public were commended for their remarkable acts of bravery, professionalism, courage and determination at the Chief Constable’s Awards last night (Thursday 14 May).

A wide range of awards were presented to police officers, Police Community Support Officers, police staff, volunteers, Special Police Constables and members of the public.  From showing courage in emergency situations to protecting the public and securing justice for victims - everyone was a worthy winner.

The evening was opened by T/Chief Constable, David Sandall, with our Deputy Chief Constable, Michaela Kerr, and Assistant Chief Constables, Adam Streets and James Avery, presenting a wide range of awards to police officers, Police Community Support Officers, police staff, volunteers, cadets, Special Police Constables and members of the public. 

Highlights included; 

Chief Constables Commendations for Bravery: Two PCSOs who ran into a house that was in danger of catching on fire to rescue the owner and his dog; a call handler who was off duty and intervened when she witnessed a violent domestic incident, she called the police and waited with the vulnerable female victim until the police arrived and three police officers who responded to a scene where an unconscious woman had been stabbed multiple times. They provided life-saving first aid and bravely pursued and detained an armed suspect. 

Crown Court Commendations: An incredible 20 investigative teams were presented with Crown Court Commendations by the High Sherriff of Leicestershire, Mel Thomas. A Crown Court Commendation is a formal recognition given by a high court judge to acknowledge a thorough or complex investigation and exceptional conduct or contribution in connection with a case.

Royal Humane Society Awards – presented to five officers who saved the life of a man who was found unconscious after taking drugs when they carried out a warrant at a property in Loughborough.  The man has since made a full recovery and is now helping other addicts.  Members of the public, and a National Highways officer, who rescued a family from a burning car on the motorway and two members of the public who came across a man bleeding heavily on the pavement.  They made a makeshift torniquet to prevent further blood loss and called for help, saving his life.

Unsung Heroes Award – presented to the force’s three amazing premises officers who carry out day to day repairs on all our force buildings.  Nothing is too much trouble for them and they receive frequent praise for their professionalism, positivity and high quality workmanship and the force’s archivists, who are both volunteers, were recognised for ensuring that our story, our people and our legacy are never forgotten.

Dozens of people were invited to attend the awards last night and the evening featured a wide variety of awards - including bravery; lifetime achievement; innovation; road safety; wellbeing, diversity and sport – as well as well-established ‘of the year’ awards for neighbourhood policing, special constables, response policing, volunteering, dog handling and contact handling.

T/Chief Constable David Sandall said; “Our annual awards are the pinnacle of our calendar, and it’s always an incredible opportunity to come together and recognise the outstanding dedication, bravery, and commitment of officers and staff who make up ‘Team Leicestershire’.  Every year, the nominations we receive are nothing short of exceptional, and this year is no different.

“We heard stories of courage, professionalism, and selflessness which never fail to inspire, and our awards celebrate everyone who has gone above and beyond to keep our communities safe.  We have people doing amazing things every day and our award winners are the pinnacle of that and they should be very proud.

“Huge congratulations to all those who were nominated, highly commended, and, of course, our winners!”

We will be highlighting individual stories from the awards over the coming weeks – look out for them on our social media channels.