Almost 200 police officers, staff and members of the public were recognised for their outstanding contribution to Lancashire Constabulary’s West Division at the Divisional Commanders Commendation Ceremony on Tuesday 6th September.
The ceremony covered award-winners from the years 2019, 2020 and 2021, after the Covid-19 pandemic halted the events going ahead.
Award-winners from across the division, which covers Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster and Morecambe, were commended for their bravery and outstanding efforts.
Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards, Divisional Commander of West Division, said: “I am so proud to be able to award such fantastic officers, staff and members of the public for their actions.
“The bravery, compassion and attitude that they show day-in, day-out is a credit to the Constabulary and it is a privilege to work alongside them.
“I look forward to the future of West Division and would like to thank the public for their continued support.”
Award winners from the ceremony included;
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Officers were recognised for their work on Operation Irwell. Throughout 2018, a high number of ATM attacks were committed across numerous force areas including Cumbria, Lancs, North Yorks and Scotland. The offences were committed by a highly skilled team of organised criminals who left behind little or no forensic evidence. Due to the continuation and escalation of these offences, in terms of violence, a dedicated enquiry team were established to oversee the building of a conspiracy case spanning a 12-month period with the overall objective of bringing those responsible to justice. The team acted with commitment and professionalism, and their determination to succeed resulted in the conviction and dismantling of a significant organised crime group.
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A number of officers were commended for their actions dealing with a tragic incident concerning the death of a 2-year-old child. Officers self-deployed in extremely adverse weather conditions to a report of a child who had fallen into a slurry pit on an isolated farm. Torrential rain and flooding made conditions on the farm extremely difficult, and officers assisted paramedics and doctors with CPR. All the staff displayed great resilience by working with paramedics in horrendous conditions to try to save the life of the child and showed great compassion and empathy with the child’s family.
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A group of Response officers were awarded for exceptional bravery and decisive action at an incident of attempt murder. Officers were called to a job which rapidly escalated into a life-threatening stand-off as the suspect, who was armed with a knife, took hostage his female partner and made threats to kill her and himself. Officers began urgent dialogue and negotiated with the male, enabling critical resources to reach them, before forcing entry as he began stabbing his partner, and then safely detaining him. All officers remained calm and professional despite the imminent danger to themselves from this armed suspect. The investigation ensured the suspect received a significant custodial sentence.
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A Police Cadet was recognised for his actions after he became aware a male had fallen into the sea at North Pier in Blackpool. The Cadet assisted in getting the casualty out of the water then commenced chest compressions. He also provided emotional support to the two children of the casualty. Due to the decisive actions he took, he gave the casualty the best possible chance of survival.