A dog handler who has arrested almost 100 criminals in the last nine months, has been named Northamptonshire’s Police Officer of the Year.
Pc Ian McDonald, a leading dog handler based at Mereway, was given the award at a ceremony held at Wootton Hall last night.
Presenting him with the award, Deputy Chief Constable Martin Jelley said: “In the past year his performance has been positively stellar, despite receiving threats against his home and family from an offender he dealt with many years ago.”
On a night of double celebration, Pc McDonald was also given a Chief Constable’s Commendation for saving the life of a woman attacked in an attempted murder.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “When I read the citation it was a little bit humbling and embarrassing. There has been a lot of mickey-taking for my colleagues.”
Other recipients included Pc James Dolman and Pc Phil Richwood (pictured top), who wrestled a robber to the ground after he held a gun to a victim’s head in Northampton.
The pair were awarded The Boatman Shield, in recognition of an outstanding act of courage and bravery, after arresting the man in Corran Close, Duston, in November.
The pair were in plain clothes, doing undercover surveillance, when they saw a thug carrying out a gunpoint robbery. The man has since been jailed.
Pc Richwood said: “It is an honour. You don’t expect it and I think if that situation came about again with any of the officers here, we would have all done the same thing.”
Two officers were also presented with Royal Humane Society awards by the man whose life they saved. Pc Steve Haycroft and Ds Harriet Spittles were given the award by Bill Kerr, (pictured middle) a trainer who they resuscitated after he collapsed at Wootton Hall, Mereway.
The pair raced into the training room and revived Mr Kerr, who had a cardiac arrest. He has since recovered from the attack.
During two nights of awards, 44 officers and five police staff were congratulated for long service and 27 officers and staff for outstanding work.
They included:-
DI Nick Lyall, Pc Jane Manning, Pc Leanne Laren, Pc Ashley McMahon and Chris Hockey who received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for rescuing a man from the River Nene.
Pc Mark Osborne and Dc Jason Farmer received the High Sheriff’s Trust and Confidence Award.
Dc Eleri Neale was awarded the Superintendent’s Award in recognition of her work in locking up paedophile, Timothy Ford.
Sgt Sally Trattle received the Dennis Baker Memorial Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution towards delivering the force’s vision and values.
The Maureen Wilson Team Award was presented to the Special Constabulary in recognition of its “outstanding performance”.
The Deborah Jeans Leadership Award went to Inspector Matt Wright, in recognition of his work in championing dyslexia.
The Commandant’s Cup, which goes to a special constable of the year, was presented to Inspector Samantha Ryall.
The Deirdre Newham Cup for Justice was presented to Liz Davies, who is a Victim Support Worker.
The Hughes Cup for PCSO of the Year, was presented to PCSO Naomi Burkart (pictured bottom), a Northampton PCSO, who has dedicated her time to community issues.