Officers and member of public receive bravery and long-service awards

Long-serving officers, specials and staff at Staffordshire Police along with a member of the public, have received awards for their dedicated service and exceptional efforts in tackling challenging incidents last year.

A total of 19 police workers and one member of the public received awards at a special ceremony on Tuesday (14 December) at the Council Chambers building in Stafford, each presented by Deputy Chief Constable Emma Barnett.

Out of the police staff members, 15 received long-service awards, with nine receiving awards for 20 years of service.

A total of three special constables and one inspector received long-service awards in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the force, with all having clocked-up an impressive nine years of service.

The longest-serving individual was Tracy Millward, currently a firearms licensing clerk, who has worked for the force since leaving school in 1980.

Ms Millward worked at Staffordshire Police reception at the force’s headquarters for 18 years, then on switchboard for 22 years, before moving to firearms in March 2021.

She said: “After leaving school, I started a six-month placement on the reception. Once this was over, I was called by the Chief Superintendent who offered me the full-time position, and after 40 years, I’m still here!

“I’m so proud to receive my award and can’t imagine working anywhere else!”

A total of six individuals also received bravery awards at the ceremony.

The Royal Humane Society issues certificates of commendation in recognition of individuals’ contribution to the saving or the attempted saving of a life.

PC Jamie Bower, PCSO Claire Jenkinson and a further PC who cannot be named, were each presented with their certificate for jumping into action to help an elderly woman in July 2020 after the car the she was driving collided with a wall.

PCSO Jenkinson witnessed the crash, so immediately attempted to help the woman trapped inside the vehicle.

PC Bower and his colleague arrived a short time later and rapidly improvised to deliver CPR on the woman while she was still in the car.

Sadly, despite the rapid response from officers and their best efforts to save the woman’s life, she was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

PC Arlih Johnson and PC Matthew Salt from Cannock Neighbourhood Policing Team, were also presented with certificates for the work they did on 31 January 2021.

Attendees at the ceremony heard how the pair assisted a vulnerable woman in distress in the local area following calls over concerns about her welfare.

The PCs acted quickly to locate the woman and ensured she was conveyed to a place of safety.

A member of the public was also presented with a certificate by the Deputy Chief Constable for his role in helping to save the life of a motorcyclist last year.

The ceremony heard how Andy Maxfield saw a motorcyclist collide with a crash barrier on the A500 at Porthill on 22 September 2020.

He immediately rushed over to help the man, using his own trouser belt as a tourniquet to stem the flow of blood to the motorcyclist’s badly injured leg and covered him in a blanket.

The motorcyclist’s leg was later amputated as a result of his injuries.

He later told police that Mr Maxfield’s kindness helped to reassure him and that his rapid actions saved his life.

Speaking of those who received the certificates of commendation, DCC Emma Barnett said: “Recognising and celebrating the outstanding work of officers and staff is something which we pride ourselves on at Staffordshire Police.

“We believe that outstanding work should always be rewarded and we would like to extend our gratitude to those who received their medals and certificates at the event.”

To find out more about the Royal Humane Society, visit: Home - Royal Humane Society.