Chief Constable's Commendation Awards - June 2026

Chief Constable Paul Gibson was proud to host our most recent commendations ceremony on Tuesday night (9 June), recognising the outstanding achievements of colleagues who demonstrated our Force values – courage, respect and empathy, public service – in action.

Our staff involved in the work highlighted, and the values they displayed, provide a strong foundation for Lincs 2030, our ongoing change and investment programme, and will help drive the positive change programme forward to keep communities in Lincolnshire safe.

Here are our stories of bravery, innovation, dedication and determination. 

 

Officers deliver CPR

When two officers arrived ahead of ambulance crews at a cardiac arrest in Spalding, they immediately began delivering CPR, working together seamlessly to keep the patient alive until paramedics arrived.

During this critical time, the situation became more complex when a relative of the patient arrived and was understandably deeply distressed. Demonstrating exceptional composure and professionalism, one officer continued CPR, while the other provided immediate care and support to the relative.

Through their swift actions and teamwork, the officers revived the patient, enabling their transfer to hospital for emergency treatment and affording them the best possible chance of recovery. Sadly, despite the dedicated efforts of these officers and medical staff, the patient later died.

These officers can be assured that they couldn’t have done more. Their calmness under pressure, compassion, and dedication exemplifies the highest standards of policing.

Chief Constable Gibson presented Commendation Certificates and a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate to PC Kevin Kelham. A second officer, who preferred not to be named was also awarded.

Pictured - PC Kevin Kelham

Swift, efficient and professional response to vehicle fire

Exceptional professionalism, teamwork and composure under pressure was displayed after a vehicle fire broke out at Police Headquarters in Nettleham last year.

Led by Nigel Coupe, the Fleet team responded immediately and decisively to manage the situation while the vehicle was alight in the carpark. Hefin Jones, Andrew Flynn, Shaun Everard and Derek Drury acted swiftly to move surrounding vehicles preventing what could have escalated into a far more serious incident. Their actions were vital in safeguarding both people and assets and their calm coordinated response ensured the incident was contained. This reflects the very highest standards of operational readiness and teamwork. Thankfully, no injuries were sustained, and the fire was extinguished by Fire and Rescue colleagues.

In the hours that followed, Nigel, Hefin, Janis Knibbs and another member of staff who preferred not to be named, showed outstanding commitment by remaining on site late into the evening to manage the post-incident response. They implemented critical safety measures, including maintaining a fire watch, protecting the environment, and initiating the immediate recall of similar vehicles to mitigate any wider risk.

The team continued their efforts over the following days, carrying out inspections and working at pace to return vehicles safely to service ahead of the May Day Bank Holiday, ensuring operational continuity and the safety of colleagues across the force.

This work was further supported by John McCrossan, Charlie Golding, Richard Bringeman and Owen Young, whose contributions to the clean-up and investigation ensured a thorough and effective response.

Roger Barnell, a valued fleet volunteer, also supported the team, undertaking additional volunteering to assist with the movement of vehicles between sites, further demonstrating the strength of commitment across the wider team.

Incidents such as this highlight the vital role of our enabling services, with the Fleet team providing essential support to frontline operations. Their collective actions demonstrate dedication, accountability and an unwavering commitment to safety. Their professionalism and teamwork prevented significant risk, ensured service continuity and they are a credit to the force.

Chief Constable Gibson presented Commendation Certificates to Nigel Coupe, Andrew Flynn and another member of staff who preferred not to be named.

Other recipients were Janis Knibbs, Hefin Jones, Derek Drury, Shaun Everard, John McCrossan, Richard Bringeman, Owen Young, Charlie Golding and Roger Barnell.

Lifesaving teamwork in Spalding

When a man, aged in his 60s, suffered a cardiac arrest in Spalding, his colleagues acted without hesitation, immediately calling for help and commencing CPR.

The swift and effective first aid delivered by these members of the public proved lifesaving.

Police officers Sergeant Corder and PC Richardson, the nearest available emergency resource, arrived promptly with a defibrillator. On finding the man unresponsive, they administered a single, decisive shock and continued care until ambulance crews arrived.

Thanks to the exceptional teamwork, composure, and lifesaving actions of all involved, the casualty was stabilised. Without the collective efforts of the public, together with the Police, this outcome would not have been possible.

Chief Constable Gibson presented Commendation Certificates and a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate to Sgt Callum Corder and PC Laura Richardson.

Pictured - PC Laura Richardson and Sgt Callum Corder

Outstanding innovation in priority setting engagement

Insp Rachel Blackwell, Jason Savage, Fraser Ibbotson, Donna Andrew and another officer who preferred not to be named, were recognised with a Chief Constable’s Commendation for their outstanding innovation in transforming neighbourhood priority setting across the Force.

Faced with low engagement from traditional community surveys, Insp Blackwell along with another officer, independently identified the need for a more effective, inclusive approach. Insp Blackwell designed and piloted a free Microsoft Forms solution, presenting her proof of concept at the Force Neighbourhood Policing conference, while the other officer undertook evidence-based research that shaped the development of a new, corporate system.

Together, they collaborated with ICT and Communications colleagues to create a consistent, cost-effective platform that gives communities a stronger voice in policing. Their work includes designing the front end, delivering training, and creating dashboards that support informed, demand focused decision making. Over 1,000 residents have now contributed to local policing priorities.

Their drive, professionalism and commitment - delivered entirely alongside core duties - have produced a lasting improvement for the public.

Chief Constable Gibson presented Commendation Certificates to Insp Rachel Blackwell and another officer. Jason, Fraser and Donna received their commendations at a previous ceremony.

Pictured - Insp Rachel Blackwell 

Heroic actions save the life of a child

A young child is in cardiac arrest at a residential address in Lincolnshire. This is the call we received into our Force Control Room.

Acting Sergeant Lee Greensmith, Constable James Pilford and Constable Steve Clarke attended as first responders to the incident. The officers took turns in providing CPR giving lifesaving first aid to the child whilst simultaneously on the phone to the ambulance service.

All three officers, who were working a night shift, remained on the scene and managed the incident and the tasks required. They worked in excess of 15 hours in what would have been an incredibly demanding shift, both emotionally and physically.

The actions of Acting Sergeant Greensmith, Constable Pilford and Constable Clarke on this day ultimately saved the child’s life.

Chief Constable Gibson presented Commendation Certificates and a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate to A/Sgt Lee Greensmith, PC James Pilfold, and PC Steve Clarke.

Pictured left to right - A/Sgt Lee Greensmith, PC James Pilfold, and PC Steve Clarke

A complex and sensitive investigation

Investigating sexual abuse requires extreme sensitivity and can be very complex. In this case, the reports came from three victims, with offences taking place over a prolonged period of time including both recent and non-recent attacks.

The officer in charge, Detective Constable Sarah Bell, worked with Case Officer Bethany Doughty. Together they displayed extreme determination and commitment to ensure a thorough investigation was carried out. The man responsible for these sexual assaults was sentenced to nearly two decades in custody. It is down to the bravery of the survivors in this case, together with that determination and commitment of our staff, that this man was brought to justice.

Chief Constable Gibson presented a Commendation Certificates to Bethany Doughty. DC Sarah Bell was unable to attend the ceremony but also received a commendation for her work.

Pictured - Bethany Doughty

Swift actions and lifesaving teamwork

When a woman had walked out of a mental health facility with the intent of taking her own life, Constable Andy Smith and Constable Jessica Daniel immediately set off to find her with the aim of preventing her coming to harm.

They located her quickly but she was unconscious and not breathing. They commenced CPR, with Constable Smith delivering chest compressions and Constable Daniel maintaining a clear airway. Once medical staff arrived on scene, Constables Smith and Daniels continued to provide CPR to try and give her the best possible chance of survival.

The woman’s condition was assessed by the medical staff who confirmed that she had regained a pulse and was breathing. The paramedic on scene later confirmed that Constable Smith and Constable Daniel’s actions had undoubtedly saved the life of the woman.

Chief Constable Gibson presented Commendation Certificates and a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate to PC Andy Smith and PC Jessica Daniel.

Pictured - PC Andy Smith

Pictured - PC Jessica Daniels

Making our roads safer with Bikesafe

Education is key to improving road safety and the Bikesafe programme is an excellent opportunity to help educate bikers.

Following the retirement of our previous coordinator, Constable Jared Thorp and Constable Daniel Thomas volunteered to take the lead, ensuring Lincolnshire could continue to offer Bikesafe to the county’s residents. This was a huge task but one which was taken on with enthusiasm, passion and professionalism, with the key focus on reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on Lincolnshire’s roads.

Volunteers are used to boost the number of Bikesafe observers and Constables Thomas and Thorp ensured vetting was completed and check rides undertaken for all the volunteers.

Eight Bikesafe events were held in Lincolnshire during 2025 with 88 riders attending. Constables Thorp and Thomas, without experience of public speaking, developed and delivered their own presentation in a professional manner, receiving excellent feedback from participants. They also arranged for Bikesafe to be promoted at Cadwell to raise awareness of the programme and road safety.

During the 2025 summer period, Lincolnshire Police saw a significant reduction in fatalities on the county’s roads, including a 50% reduction in bike fatalities when compared with the 2024 summer period. There is no doubt that the education delivered by Constables Thorp and Thomas contributed to this reduction.

Chief Constable Gibson presented Commendation Certificates to PC Daniel Thomas and PC Jared Thorp.

Pictured - PC Daniel Thomas and PC Jared Thorp

Dedicated efforts to find and treat an injured man

An initial call comes into our Force Control Room about a fight that’s broken out in Lincoln with a man running from the scene. It transpired that this man had a deep laceration from a broken glass bottle used in this altercation.

Without direction, the two officers dispatched predicted where the victim could be hiding and went searching for him on foot. The area was not covered by CCTV but they miraculously found the man concealed between the side of a building and a bush.

Both officers immediately began to treat the victim due to the substantial cut. An ambulance was requested and the officers applied bandages and pressure to stem the bleeding, despite being met with some initial resistance by the victim. When the victim appeared to lose consciousness, they continued to apply pressure until paramedics arrived at the scheme.

The victim could have remained hidden and suffered worse if not fatal injuries if it were not for these officers, their proactivity in locating him, and the immediate first aid administered at scene. Both officers displayed extreme professionalism and dedication throughout this incident.

Chief Constable Gibson presented Commendation Certificates to PC Chloe Chapman and PC Casey Horgan.

Pictured - PC Chloe Chapman