Chief Constable’s Commendation Awards 2022

Extraordinary stories of bravery, determination, and empathy were shared at the Chief Constable’s Commendation Awards 2022.

Officers and staff gathered at The Epic Centre in the Lincolnshire Showground on Monday, 9 May, to celebrate their colleagues and acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

The awards recognised 45 people who have gone above and beyond to help make Lincolnshire a safer place to live, work and visit.

Chief Constable Chris Haward paid tribute to officers and staff, who attended alongside friends and family, on the night.

“It is an immense privilege to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work of our staff who work tirelessly to make Lincolnshire a safer place,” he said.

“They go above and beyond the call of duty, day-in, day-out, often putting themselves in harm’s way to serve the public.

“Our staff have seen the unthinkable, dealt with the tragic and never shied away from doing the right thing in difficult circumstances.

“All 45 people honoured at the ceremony embody the tenacity and determination of our force to make Lincolnshire the safest place to live, work and visit.

“I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our staff who play their part every day and it is an honour to shine a spotlight on their bravery alongside their friends and family.

“COVID restrictions have limited how often we can thank our staff in person in recent years, so it is fantastic to be able to bring colleagues together.

“I’d also like to thank all those who have worked behind the scenes to make this ceremony possible, and I look forward to many more in the future.”

See below to read the citations read out on the night. Some information has been omitted for legal reasons.

 

 

 

Royal Humane Society Parchments and Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation

RECIPIENTS Constable Jonathan Barnsley Constable Andrew Beard Constable John Biggs

Constable Jonathan Barnsley

Constable John Biggs

 

On 21 August 2021 Constables Jonathan Barnsley, Andrew Beard and John Biggs attended an incident where a father had reported that his 21-year-old son was smashing up the house.

When the officers arrived at the scene, the young man gravely injured himself. Although in shock, the officers didn’t hesitate and dashed into action to stop him from dying.

The man received extensive injuries to his body, he was sedated for two weeks and, whilst his condition remained life threatening, he was given the best possible chance of survival thanks to the quick and brave actions of Constable Barnsley, Constable Beard and Constable Biggs.

Comments at the scene from the attending fire crew were that the ‘officers’ quick thinking has potentially saved this man’s life’.

The brave and courageous actions of Constable Barnsley, Constable Beard and Constable Biggs in what can only be described as an extremely difficult and harrowing scene was truly outstanding.

Unfortunately, Constable Andrew Beard is unable to join us this evening, but Chief Constable Haward is pleased to present Royal Humane Society Parchments and Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation to Constable Jonathan Barnsley and Constable John Biggs.

 

Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificates

RECIPIENTS Detective Constable David Bettison Constable Clare Heaton

Constable David Bettison

Constable Clare Heaton

 

In 2020 an initial report was made of an alleged harassment of a woman. Police quickly identified that the victim was shown as wanted for breach of a court order.

Constable Heaton was assigned to the incident and identified that the woman had markers for self-harm, so requested that other officers attend the incident with her, which included Constable Heaton.

On making initial enquiries at the door, the suspect unexpectedly injured herself severely, without permitting the officers access. 

The officers forced entry into the premises and rendered immediate first aid. However, the woman went into cardiac arrest.

The officers worked together as a team to save the woman’s life, performing CPR, and communicating the exact circumstances in a calm manner through to control.

Having been resuscitated the woman went into a further respiratory arrest and once again the officers worked together to prevent the death of the woman and kept her alive, continually providing reassurance in the time it took for the ambulance to arrive.

The woman was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries.

If it hadn’t been for Constable Bettison and Constable Heaton’s committed teamwork, professionalism and dedication, the woman would not have survived.

Chief Constable Haward is pleased to present Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificates to Detective Constable David Bettison and Constable Clare Heaton.

 

 

Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation

RECIPIENTS Police Community Support Officer Nigel Wass

PCSO Nigel Wass

 

On the 19 July 2021 a report was received of a high-risk missing person. 

Police Community Support Officer Nigel Wass researched previous incidents and found a location where he thought the missing person could be, as they had previously attempted to take their own life there before.

PCSO Wass attended the area and started to search for the missing person, when the individual saw the police approaching, they attempted to take their life.

PCSO Wass climbed a barbed wire fence and his commitment and exceptional work resulted in finding the missing person quickly and saving their life.

Chief Constable Haward is pleased to present Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation to Police Community Support Officer Nigel Wass.

 

 

Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation

RECIPIENTS Detective Inspector Richard Nethercott Detective Sergeant Kara Nicholson Detective Constable Kate Woods

Detective Inspector Richard Nethercott

Detective Constable Kate Woods

 

In November 2021 a report was received of two attempt murders, a robbery, and several other linked offences.

Detective Constable Woods was allocated the investigation, the detainee had several complexities.

Detective Constable Woods tenaciously and diligently progressed the investigation, and tragically whilst the suspect was on bail one of the victims passed away and the case became a murder investigation. 

Detective Constable Woods, overseen by Detective Sergeant Nicholson prepared all the evidence and obtained early charging advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.  Charges were proactively agreed in principle for when the suspect was questioned to ensure a charge was secured.

Detective Inspector Nethercott liaised with the Mental Health Unit in relation to any ongoing treatment the suspect was receiving.  When it was determined that the suspect was not suffering any mental health issues Detective Inspector Nethercott secured the timed release.

Charges were brought and the person is currently on remand.

Detective Inspector Nethercott, Detective Sergeant Nicholson, and Detective Constable Woods all went above and beyond their line of duty to ensure that an individual was not released back into the public and that a murder charge was brought before the suspect.

Unfortunately, Detective Sergeant Kara Nicholson is unable to join us this evening. Chief Constable Haward is pleased to present Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation to Detective Inspector Richard Nethercott and Detective Constable Kate Woods.

 

Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation

RECIPIENTS Detective Constable David Ziller

Detective Constable David Ziller

 

The case of R v Wood was a difficult and emotional case for everyone involved. The victim, a young 15-year-old girl had been sexually abused.

In 2019 the victim bravely made the decision to contact the police and report the sexual abuse she had been suffering.

Detective Constable Ziller commenced this investigation building a rapport with the victim and through the interview process gathered accounts of increasing levels of abuse culminating in distressing incidents of rape and physical violence.

A man was arrested and interviewed, but he denied the allegations and even tried to blame the teenager. The case was presented to the Crown Prosecution Services who authorised multiple charges against him.

The investigation was extremely difficult for the victim. Throughout the investigation Detective Constable Ziller maintained a close contact with the victim, supporting her through an emotional and difficult time.

The victim found it difficult to continue with the case. Detective Constable Ziller worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, and they were able to hold the case until she could be assessed and was fit to continue.

With time the victim felt well enough to continue with the case, and a court date was secured.

In 2021 the trial commenced, and the man was unanimously found guilty on all counts and was sentenced to 23 years in prison.

Detective Constable Ziller displayed exceptional commitment, dedication and professionalism to the victim and this case.

Chief Constable Haward is pleased to present Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation to Detective Constable David Ziller.

 

 

Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation

RECIPIENTS Constable Laren Mounde Sergeant Michael Templeman

Constable Laren Mounde

Sergeant Michael Templeman

 

On 12 September 2021, a member of the public saw a man fall into the River Trent.

Sergeant Michael Templeman was first on the scene.

Sergeant Templeman took on the initial role as the on-scene negotiator and remained with the man to build up a good rapport and was then subsequently asked to maintain this engagement by the negotiators when they arrived on scene. 

A constable with just six months’ service at the time, was given the role of ground assigned bronze with fire command. 

The incident took over two hours to resolve and played out in a dangerous and very uncomfortable environment for all involved.  Without intervention, the man would almost certainly have died.

All officers are commended for their bravery and commitment to protect a vulnerable man in obvious crisis despite the potentially dangerous situation.

Unfortunately, Constable Aimee Nisbet are unable to join us this evening, but Chief Constable Haward is pleased to present Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation to Constable Laren Mounde and Sergeant Michael Templeman.

 

 

Certificate of Chief Constable’s Commendation

RECIPIENTS Constable Adam Christopher

On 8 September 2021, Constable Adam Christopher and a constable were attending an incident on the A1 near Colsterworth when they were flagged down by a woman whose husband had become unwell in the car.

An ambulance had been called but the estimated time of arrival was two hours. 

Considering the information available, the officers decided to place the woman and her husband in the rear of the police car and blue lighted them to Grantham Accident and Emergency Department. 

These actions proved to be life saving for the man who, after only being at the hospital for two minutes, had a large seizure and required assistance by the medical team before being transferred to Queen’s Medical Centre for specialist treatment.   

The surgeon later confirmed that, if it wasn’t for the quick-thinking actions of Constable Adam Christopher and the constable, the patient would have suffered a catastrophic brain injury of fatal consequence.

Unfortunately, Constable Adam Christopher is unable to join us this evening.

 

Certificate of Chief Constable’s Commendation

RECIPIENT Constable Joshua Firth

Constable Joshua Firth

 

On the 23 October 2021, a report was received of a stolen vehicle travelling on the A1 southbound. 

Armed Response Vehicles were deployed, and the vehicle was sighted but failed to stop and a pursuit was authorised.

The pursuit was eventually aborted, due to lack of tactics to be able to stop the vehicle safely and that the vehicle was about to leave Lincolnshire.

Cambridgeshire Police had been instructed accordingly about this vehicle and had tactical units waiting on the A1 and continued to pursue the vehicle.

The vehicle, once again, entered Lincolnshire and with the assistance of Cambridgeshire Police was successfully stung and eventually came to a stop.

Constable Firth ran to the driver’s door to secure the driver, but found the door was locked with the window open slightly. The driver then attempted to injure themselves.

Constable Firth reacted quickly, he smashed the driver’s window and managed to taser him which prevented any serious injury. The man was then extracted from the vehicle with no life-threatening injuries.

It transpired that the driver’s intention was to be involved in a high-speed police pursuit.

Constable Firth’s commitment, dedication and decisive actions not only assisted with stopping the vehicle safely, but also saved the driver’s life.

Chief Constable Haward is pleased to present a Certificate of Chief Constable’s Commendation to Constable Joshua Firth.

 

 

Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation RECIPIENTS Andrew Funnell David Nellist Constable Warren Peachey Ian Watkins Emma Willey

Andrew Funnell

David Nellist

Constable Warren Peachey

Emma Willey

 

Over the last two years, the Events and Emergency Planning Team has delivered an exceptional service to Lincolnshire Police and its communities whilst faced with unprecedented and difficult circumstances due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In addition to establishing and maintaining the Force’s Covid-19 response, Operation Talla, they have been the ‘go-to’ people to plan and coordinate events safely within the county.  They have supported the policing of Lincoln City Football matches, national events, and mutual aid requests. 

During 2021, the Team also planned and led on several major events including G7, COP26, Lincoln Christmas Market and the National Police Memorial Day. 

Every member of the Events and Emergency Planning Team has an amazing can-do attitude and continually delivers a premium service to their colleagues and the public and can always be relied upon to offer support and even physical assistance at events. 

The entire team consistently display sustained commitment, professionalism, and dedication. 

Individually, and as a Team this Commendation recognises their services to Lincolnshire Police and the communities they serve.

Unfortunately, Ian Watkins is unable to join us this evening, but Chief Constable Haward is pleased to present Certificates of Chief Constable’s Commendation to Andrew Funnell, David Nellist, Constable Warren Peachy and Emma Willey.