Police awards recognise '˜heroic' officers in Brighton and Hove

These officers, as well as police staff and other officers, were congratulated for investigative skills, dedication to providing a public service and bravery at Brighton and Hove Police’s divisional awards ceremony on Friday (February 24).

More than 30 awards were handed out at the ceremony in a newly-refurbished wing of John Street Police Station, presented by High Sheriff of East Sussex Michael Foster and Brighton and Hove City Mayor Pete West.

PCs Alison Deller and Daniel Willard were commended for their actions treating a severely-injured victim as they waited for paramedics, potentially saving her life. Sussex Police said the pair built a rapport with the victim, which gave her the courage to give evidence against her attacker. This led to a successful prosecution.

PC Georgina English and PS Jonathan Hartley were awarded for courage after disarming a man brandishing a high-powered air weapon. They were then able to treat a ‘significant injury’ he had. Paramedic staff said the actions of the officers saved the man’s life.

Inspector Roy Apps retired after 30 years as a well-respected and experienced inspector for the city. Having started his career in 1987 working across Mid Sussex and Brighton, working at political party conferences and running the police operations for the weekend night times and New year eve celebrations. During one of his last operational briefings with officers, he was given a standing ovation.

Two local agencies, Beach Patrol and Safe Space, were awarded for ‘excellence in partnership’. Beach Patrol was recognised for its work keeping Brighton beach safe during the evenings, at times steering revellers away from the dangers of the sea. Safe Space, which operates on Friday and Saturday evenings at St Paul’s Church, West Street, sees volunteers from British Red Cross and YMCA Downslink provide emotional and practical support to residents and tourists out for the night.

PCSO Dan Smith was commended for his public service by helping to resolve issues in Tarner Park. PCSO Smith brought together local youths, residents and other organisations, to open up conversation between them, which helped all parties to understand each other’s views. He helped then come up with a plan of action to source funding for CCTV. Sussex Police said he was instrumental in showing how the force can have a positive impact in the community making people safe.

Twelve officers received a Crown Court Commendation from Her Honour Judge Barnes following the successful prosecution of Remy Douieb. The investigation which involved months of organisation led to six men going to prison for their role in a drugs ring. In her judgement of the case Judge Barnes said the investigation was ‘exceptional’ and ‘outstanding’.

Special Constables Alan Rankin-Thorn and Jason Glanvill received the ‘outstanding volunteer’ award after taking the initiative to set up the divisional support team to assist neighbourhood and response policing in Brighton and Hove.

Chief Superintendent Lisa Bell, divisional commander for Brighton and Hove, said: “Despite having only recently been appointed I have seen on so many occasions the dedication, professionalism and courage with which Brighton and Hove officers and staff police the city on a daily basis. It is an absolute pleasure to be able to formally acknowledge some of my colleagues for the outstanding work that they do. Many of our colleagues routinely go above and beyond what could be expected by the public or the service as a whole and events like today are an important way to recognise their contribution to keeping the city safe.

“It is also fantastic that yet again we are able to acknowledge the huge contribution that the public and our partners play. They too show tremendous bravery and initiative in stepping into situations that others may simply be too afraid to become involved in and do so to protect those that are less able to protect themselves.”