Police awards handed out to those who stood out in force
LONG-SERVING officers, specials and staff at Staffordshire Police along with a member of the public, have received awards for their dedicated service and exceptional efforts in tackling challenging incidents.
A total of 19 police workers and one member of the public received awards at a special ceremony at the Council Chambers building in Stafford, each presented by Deputy Chief Constable Emma Barnett.
Out of the police staff members, 15 received long-service awards, with nine receiving awards for 20 years of service.
Three special constables and one inspector received long-service awards in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the force, with all having clocked-up an impressive nine years of service.
The longest-serving individual was Tracy Millward, currently a firearms licensing clerk, who has worked for the force since leaving school in 1980.
Ms Millward worked at Staffordshire Police reception at the force’s headquarters for 18 years, then on switchboard for 22 years, before moving to firearms in March 2021. She said: “After leaving school, I started a six-month placement on the reception. Once this was over, I was called by the Chief Superintendent who offered me the full-time position, and after 40 years, I’m still here!
“I’m so proud to receive my award and can’t imagine working anywhere else!”
A total of six individuals also received bravery awards at the ceremony. The Royal Humane Society issues certificates of commendation in recognition of individuals’ contribution to the saving or the attempted saving of a life.
PC Jamie Bower, PCSO Claire Jenkinson
and a further PC who cannot be named, were each presented with their certificate for helping an elderly woman in July 2020 after the car she was driving collided with a wall.
PCSO Jenkinson immediately attempted to help the woman trapped inside the vehicle. PC Bower and his colleague arrived a short time later and rapidly improvised to deliver CPR on the woman.
Sadly, despite the rapid response from officers and their best efforts to save the woman’s life, she was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.
PC Arlih Johnson and PC Matthew Salt were also presented with certificates for the work they did on January 31, 2021. The pair assisted a vulnerable woman in distress in the local area following concerned calls about her welfare. They acted quickly to find the woman and ensured she was taken to a safe place. A member of the public was also presented with a certificate by the Deputy Chief Constable for his role in helping to save the life of a motorcyclist last year.
Andy Maxfield saw a motorcyclist collide with a crash barrier on September 22, 2020.
He immediately rushed over to help the man, using his own trouser belt as a tourniquet to stem the flow of blood to the motorcyclist’s badly injured leg and covered him in a blanket.
The motorcyclist’s leg was later amputated as a result of his injuries.
He told police that Mr Maxfield’s kindness helped to reassure him and that his rapid actions saved his life. Speaking of those who received the certificates of commendation, DCC Emma Barnett said: “Recognising and celebrating the outstanding work of officers and staff is something which we pride ourselves on at Staffordshire Police.”