Chief's commendations for courage and care

On 3 November, a Chief’s Commendation ceremony was held at HQ. This was a celebration of the bravery, courage and determination displayed by officers and a member of the public. Chief Constable Paul Gibson presented the awards which recognised the exceptional response to emergency incidents.  

Courage and compassion in attempts to preserve a life

Two officers were called to a home where a man had been found following a suicide attempt.

On arrival, the first officer on scene was immediately faced with an extremely distressing situation. Without hesitation, he took over CPR from a woman who had found the man and been the initial caller to emergency services. Remaining calm under immense pressure, he continued lifesaving efforts while reassuring the distressed woman, gathering essential information and maintaining communication with the Force Control Room.

PC David Doe arrived minutes later, when he quickly joined the resuscitation efforts. Together, the officers worked tirelessly, rotating CPR until the arrival of medical support.

Both officers continued to help medical professionals as every effort was made to save the man's life but sadly, he was pronounced deceased.

Throughout this traumatic and emotionally challenging incident, both officers demonstrated exceptional compassion, professionalism and resilience. Faced with a chaotic scene and a woman experiencing one of the most difficult moments of her life, they remained calm, caring and focused on preserving life.

PC Doe, and the other officer who preferred not to be named, were awarded Chief Constable Commendations in recognition of their outstanding actions, empathy and dedication in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

Pictured: PC David Doe 

Exemplary teamwork in efforts to save a life

When officers were called to a report of a serious injury, what they were met with was an incredibly distressing scene. A man had suffered significant injuries, was heavily bleeding, unresponsive and not breathing.

Without hesitation, the attending officers immediately went to the man's aid. Working together with calm determination, they began CPR and took turns, giving the victim every possible chance of survival.

Throughout the incident, the officers demonstrated remarkable teamwork, resilience and professionalism. Faced with a life-threatening emergency, they remained focused on the needs of the victim, continuing their efforts until he could be placed in the care of medical professionals and taken to hospital.
Doctors later praised the officers' swift actions and dedication. Sadly, despite the determined efforts of all involved, the man later died.

While the outcome was tragic, the compassion, commitment and humanity shown by these officers were exemplary. In the face of an intensely traumatic situation, they did everything they possibly could to help this man and support one another.

PC Paige Thompson, along with two officers who preferred not to be named, were awarded with Chief’s Commendation Certificates in recognition of their outstanding actions, professionalism and dedication. PC Jordan Scott was unable to attend the ceremony so his commendation will be presented on another occasion.

Pictured: PC Paige Thompson

Composure and dedication in the face of danger

In the early hours of a winter morning, then Sergeant Nick Elmer, PC Christina Hall and PC Sabooha Richeux found themselves facing every officer's worst nightmare. Called to reports of a damage being caused at a residential address, they arrived to discover an armed and highly volatile man.

As the situation unfolded, the offender produced what appeared to be a handgun and pointed it directly at Sergeant Elmer from close range. In that moment, believing he may be about to lose his life, Sergeant Elmer maintained his professionalism, taking command of the incident, coordinating the response and ensuring colleagues and the public were protected. Despite the opportunity to withdraw, he remained in position, acutely aware that fellow officers could be at risk.

PC Hall and PC Richeux also displayed tremendous courage and self-discipline. Knowing a colleague remained under threat, they stayed calm, followed tactical instructions and stood ready to support one another despite the obvious danger.
They began the shift expecting a routine duty. Instead, they faced an armed threat and the possibility they may not return home. Their bravery, professionalism and commitment to protecting others ensured a dangerous offender was brought to justice and that no one was seriously harmed.

Chief’s Commendation Certificates were awarded to T/Detective Inspector Nick Elmer and PC Christina Hall. PC Sabooha Richeux was unable to attend the ceremony and will receive her certificate separately.

Pictured above: T/Detective Inspector Nick Elmer 

Pictured: PC Christina Hall 

Compassionate and determined teamwork

When a deeply distressed woman called 999 after finding a very concerning note from a loved one, officers knew every second counted.

PC Gareth Harper, and two other officers responded swiftly and were confronted with an incredibly difficult and emotional situation. After forcing entry, the man was found unresponsive. Acting immediately, they began lifesaving assistance and first aid.

QPR was quickly commenced along with advanced emergency care. The officers established an airway, increased the man's oxygen levels and used a defibrillator, continuing relentless resuscitation efforts until paramedics arrived.

Thanks to the officers' skill, determination and refusal to give up, the man regained a pulse before being taken hospital. Paramedics later commended their actions, recognising that their exceptional efforts gave the man a chance of survival and, importantly, gave his family precious time with him.

Throughout an intensely traumatic incident, the officers demonstrated outstanding compassion, professionalism and teamwork, bringing hope to a family during a horrifying time.

Chief Constable’s Commendations were awarded to PC Gareth Harper and two other officers who preferred not to be named. 

Pictured: PC Gareth Harper 

Lifesaving intervention at a point of crisis

When officers were called to reports of a woman threatening to harm herself, they were faced with a rapidly evolving and highly complex situation involving both a mental health crisis and a medical emergency.

PC Leah Jeffrey and PC Max Wragg quickly made sure that the children present were safe and turned their attention to the woman’s welfare. Despite her distress, aggression and threats, the officers remained calm, patient and compassionate, spending time reassuring her while urgently seeking medical assistance.

As the woman's condition deteriorated, she disclosed that she had ingested substances with the intention of causing herself harm. Moments later, the woman lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest. Without hesitation, PC Jeffrey and PC Wragg immediately commenced CPR.

Thanks to their swift recognition of the emergency and decisive intervention, the woman regained a pulse and began breathing again before the arrival of paramedics.

Throughout this challenging incident, both officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism, resilience and humanity. Their calm handling of a vulnerable person in crisis, combined with their life-saving actions, kept this woman safe in extremely difficult circumstances.

Chief Constable Gibson awarded Commendation Certificates to PC Leah Jeffrey and PC Max Wragg in recognition of their outstanding compassion, professionalism and commitment to preserving life.

Pictured above: PC Leah Jeffrey

Pictured: PC Max Wragg 

Selfless actions and a life saved

Last year, member of the public Mr Reece Shaw witnessed a vehicle ahead of him leave the road, cross a grass verge, become airborne over a ditch and come to rest in a field.

Without a moment's hesitation, Mr Shaw stopped to help. He rushed to the wrecked vehicle and found the driver unresponsive, without a pulse and only gasping for breath. Acting on instinct and determination, Mr Shaw pulled the driver from the vehicle and began CPR.

Alone at the scene and faced with a life-threatening emergency, Mr Shaw continued his efforts until paramedics arrived.

Paramedics later stated that, without Mr Shaw's swift intervention and effective CPR, the driver would not have survived. His actions not only preserved life but demonstrated remarkable courage, composure and selflessness in the face of a traumatic and challenging situation.

Rather than standing by and waiting for emergency services, Mr Shaw stepped forward when someone desperately needed help. His decisive actions made the difference between life and death and exemplify the very best of community spirit.

In recognition of his outstanding bravery, presence of mind and life-saving actions, Chief Constable Gibson presented a Commendation Certificate and a Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate to Mr Reece Shaw.

Pictured: Mr Reece Shaw 

Protecting the public with courage and commitment

While off duty, Sergeant Rob Sim became aware of a violent disorder unfolding in Lincoln city centre. In full view of members of the public, many of whom were visibly distressed and fearful, the suspect escalated the situation by smashing a shop window and threatening those nearby.

Recognising the immediate danger to the public, Sergeant Sim did not hesitate. Despite being off duty and without any personal protective equipment, he identified himself as a police officer and intervened to arrest the suspect. The man, significantly larger than Sergeant Sim, responded with violence, punching, kicking and spitting at him.

At the height of the struggle, PC Jon Elvin, a Nottinghamshire Police officer, also off duty, witnessed the incident and instinctively stepped in to help. Together, the two officers demonstrated exceptional courage and determination, successfully restraining the violent suspect until on-duty officers arrived.

Their actions were entirely selfless and undertaken at considerable personal risk. Rather than walking away, both officers chose to act to protect the public from harm, bringing a dangerous situation under control and ensuring the offender was brought before the courts.

Chief Constable Gibson awarded Commendation Certificates to Sergeant Rob Sim in recognition of his outstanding bravery, professionalism and commitment to public safety. PC Jon Elvin was unable to attend the ceremony and will receive his commendation on another occasion.

Pictured: PC Rob Sim