Ceremony recognises police volunteers and special constabulary
Wednesday, 22 May, 2013
LANCASHIRE Constabulary’s volunteers and special constabulary officers were awarded for their dedication at a recent ceremony.
Seven award categories were presented at the event on Wednesday 15 May.
Robert Ormerod from the county’s Pennine division received an award for volunteer of the year for his dedication in reducing drive offs in the Rossendale Valley.
The Broughton volunteer team received an award for volunteer team of the year for the assistance they have provided to the neighbourhood policing team.
Acting special sergeant Michal Nurek from the county’s southern division was awarded special constable of the year for his work in forging links with the polish community.
Gemma Wareing from the county’s southern division was named special constable student officer of the year whilst special inspector Sonya Boden from the county’s western division was awarded inspirational team leader of the year.
The award for special constabulary team of the year went to Hyndburn and Ribble Valley for their work in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
In addition, four special constabulary officers – Jonathan Wilkinson, Michael Edwards, Andrew Linford and Cliff Nolan – were recognised for completing ten year’s service.
The awards were presented by Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates.
Assistant Chief Constable Bates said: “Our volunteers and special constabulary are a valuable resource – a strong embodiment of the fact that policing needs the support of all the community.
“Joining as a volunteer or special can give a person a great sense of fulfilment. It gives them a chance to get involved with making a difference in local communities.
“This ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the fantastic work that our volunteers and special constabulary do day-in-day-out to help keep the communities of Lancashire safe. However it is important to remember that the work highlighted is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of the good work our specials and volunteers perform every day.”
Clive Grunshaw, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said: "The work of Lancashire Constabulary's volunteers and special constabulary is vital and they are to be commended for the roles they play within the force.
"It was inspirational to meet with some of the award-winning volunteers and specials on Wednesday night, and hear their stories.
"Harnessing the passion and enthusiasm of these volunteers is crucial to strengthening engagement with our communities, and it was clear from speaking to them how rewarding they find being part of Lancashire Constabulary."
Anyone interested in finding out more about the work of the special constabulary or who is interested in becoming a special constable should call 01772 410392. Anyone interested in finding out becoming a volunteer should call 01772 413935.
