Officers commended by road safety charity Brake
Thursday, 26 November, 2020
Three police family liaison officers (FLOs) have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to giving bereaved families the care they need.
Brake, the road safety charity, has announced the winners of its 2020 FLO awards which celebrate the dedication and compassion of police FLOs around the country.
The Awards also showcase best practice in supporting families following a road death or serious injury.
More than 1,750 people die on Britain’s roads each year. Road crashes shatter their families’ lives, and FLOs provide essential support to people during what may be the most difficult times in their lives.
The awards, sponsored by Birchall Blackburn Law, Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors, Simpson Millar, and Slater and Gordon Lawyers, were presented at a digital ceremony during Road Safety Week (16-22 November).
Tracey Lister, National Road Victim Service manager at Brake, the road safety charity, said: “The work of all FLOs in providing care to families when they need it most is essential, and Brake is proud to work alongside them through our National Road Victim Service. We were delighted to receive so many exceptional entries for this year’s FLO Awards, as each entrant is an inspiring example of the guidance and support that FLOs provide every day.
“I would like to congratulate all of this year’s entrants and nominees for their outstanding contributions to supporting bereaved families. We are also incredibly grateful for the support of Birchall Blackburn Law, Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors, Slater and Gordon Lawyers and Simpson Millar, without whose funding these awards would not have been possible.”
Quentin Underhill, partner and head of serious and catastrophic injury at Birchall Blackburn Law, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Brake Family Liaison Officer Awards again. It is an important event that honours and acknowledges the amazing work of a remarkable group of police officers. It is work that is often unsung and is done behind the scenes with quiet dignity. Their support for families going through the toughest of times is vital. Well done to the nominees and the winners. You are all extraordinary.”
Martin James, chief operating officer of Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors, said: "We are very proud to sponsor these awards which pay tribute to the outstanding work undertaken by Family Liaison Officers across the country. The support they provide to families and individuals devastated by road death and serious injury is essential. Every single one of the nominated FLO's have excelled in their duties and we congratulate all of the entrants and nominees for their vital work this year."
Nick Godwin, principal lawyer, serious injury, at Slater and Gordon, said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing support of the Police Family Liaison service by once again co-sponsoring this event. We see all too often the devastation to families torn apart by road traffic crashes, and the importance of the tireless work of family liaison officers up and down the country cannot be overstated. Congratulations to all nominees.”
Awards were made in three categories: the Award for Excellent Longstanding Service and Outstanding Officer Achievement Award received peer-nominations from police colleagues, while nominations for the Family Award came from families who had been supported by an FLO.
Outstanding Officer Achievement Award
Winner: PC Tracy Herron, West Midlands Police [1]
Highly commended:
- PC Neil Chadburn, Devon and Cornwall Police
- PC Louise Warhurst, Greater Manchester Police
Award for Excellent Longstanding Service
Winner: PC Kurt Timpson, Merseyside Police [2]
Highly commended:
- PC Neil Chadburn, Devon and Cornwall Police
- PC Grant Sleight, Dorset Police
Family Award
Winner: PC Nick Johns, Cumbria Constabulary [3]
Highly commended nominees:
- PC Jim Roberts, West Mercia Police
The winners’ acceptance speeches will be broadcast online on the Brake website in several weeks’ time.
