Awards for brave police officers
Recognition for their help and dedication
Some of Ayrshire’s bravest and hardestworking police officers were honoured at a top awards bash.
They received their awards from Ayrshire’s commander, Chief Superintendent Paul Main, in front of fellow officers, friends and family.
Award winners included PC Alan Auld and PC Steven Callaghan who were recognised for their bravery after they rescued a distressed woman from Ayr Harbour, who was intent on taking her own life.
Another commendation went to PC Yvonne Wilson, PC Fraser Campbell and PC Gerard MacLean, with the trio recognised for their “brave, selfless actions and professionalism” when they rescued a distressed man at Ayr beach in difficult weather conditions.
Officers who tackled a dangerous dog picked up an award for their “brave and prompt actions” when PC MacLean, PC Watson, PC Auld and PC Blair McGarva contained the dog in a play park after it had already bit one member of the public.
And Special Constable Bi l l y Sturgeon from D a l m e l l i n g t o n w a s re c o g n i s e d f o r h i s commitment as a volunteer special constable and his commitment to the Doon Valley town where he serves.
Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Paul Main said: “The awards ceremony was one of the most memorable occasions in my police career. To see and hear of the acts of so many people facing danger and risking their lives for others was genuinely humbling.
“I was also inspired by the acts of kindness, compassion and willingness to help people at the most difficult times in their lives when they have been a victim of crime or abuse or have been in a position of danger or crisis.
“The determination and resilience of people in their commitment to help others was very evident on the night. Everyone in Ayrshire can take great confidence that there are so many volunteers, locally based employees and members of the public who have been able to help people at times of crisis.”
Guests at the event - including chief executives and provosts from South Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Council, along with representatives from the NHS and Scottish Fire and Rescue - marvelled at stories of the officers’ bravery at the ceremony earlier this month in Fullarton Connexions in Irvine.