The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Police recognised for outstanding service
Eight city officers are commended for great work
Eight Peterborough Police officers received awards for going above and beyond at The Chief Superintendent’s Commendations Ceremony. Dealing with an attempted murder, convicting a prolific sex offender and saving the life of a vulnerable person were just some of the acts praised at the force ceremony.
In a socially distanced gathering at police headquarters in Huntingdon, Ch Supts Jon Hutchinson and Mark Greenhalgh praised officers, staff and members of the public who had excelled or shown acts of bravery.
Mr Hutchinson said: “It’s been an extremely challenging few months, not only for the public but also for officers policing the pandemic. After such testing times it’s perhaps more important than ever that we celebrate the great work you do on a daily basis, the achievements you have accomplished and the dedication you have shown to keeping people safe.
“I am always amazed by the stories of outstanding bravery, compassion and kindness towards those in need, how you put your own lives at risk and how you have gone above and beyond for the people of Cambridgeshire – so to each and every one of you, I say thank you.”
Det Con Jim Huddlestone was commended for his efforts on an investigation which resulted in an 11-year prison sentence for a serious sex offender.
The offences first came to light in September last year.
DC Huddlestone was part of a team that worked tirelessly during extended tours of duty to secure charges against the suspect and then guilty pleas in December.
DC Huddlestone joined the CAISU in November 2019 and this was his first case to go to crown court. He was able to ensure a quality case file was produced for the prosecution, which resulted in the guilty pleas.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Nicola Pope, said: “I understood that you hadn’t any experience in dealing with custody/under 10 protocol cases and you did a brilliant job.
“Thank you once again your hard work and prompt responses to requests from myself and counsel, which
helped get a relatively quick resolution to this horrible case for the complainant and her family.”
PCs Tom Dodge, Dave Stevens and Paul Jeyes and Sgt Andy Watson showed courage and compassion to help save the life of a man threatening to jump from a bridge in Peterborough.
They bravely put themselves in danger to save this man’s life and potentially other members of the public.
When PCs Stevens, Jeyes and Dodge arrived at the bridge in Eye Road, over the A1139, they saw members of the public holding on to the man who was the wrong side of the railings.
PC Stevens took over from the members of the public and held the man while PC Dodge leaned over the safety barrier, held by PC Jeyes, to speak to him. PC Dodge eventually convinced him to come back over the railings and all the officers, now including Sgt Andy Watson who had climbed over the railings, helped lift him over.
Det Insp Tom Rowe was first at the scene of a serious crash while off shift and on his way home from work.
He had finished late at the end of a week in October last year and was driving along the A15 in Peterborough when he noticed a car in a ditch beside the opposite carriageway.
He turned around at the next roundabout, took charge of the scene and began searching for the driver.
The vehicle was now on fire and after finding the driver, DI Rowe dragged him to safety.
Having completed first aid checks, he went on to coordinate the multi-agency response, ensure the road was closed, take witness details, scene photos and complete an MG11 that evening.
The casualty was seriously injured but still alive, thanks to DI Rowe’s swift actions, putting him in the recovery position and away from danger. He was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where he remained in a critical condition for some time.
Also commended were DC John Bimson, from the Rape Investigation Team (RIT), for going above and beyond to ensure a rape suspect was charged and then kept on remand before his conviction, resulting in an eight-year prison sentence.
Sgt Chris Cawdery, from the response team, was commended for his swift actions to ensure PC Leo Clarke, who had been assaulted, received lifesaving treatment at hospital.