Officers and staff honoured at awards ceremony

Over 25 police officers and staff were celebrated in a long-service awards ceremony yesterday (Tuesday 28 June).

Chief Constable Chris Noble, Deputy Chief Constable Emma Barnett and Lord Lieutenant Ian Dudson presented medals to eleven officers to commemorate their 20 years of service, with a further eleven members of staff also receiving their awards at a ceremony in the Staffordshire County Council building.

Detective Constable Trudi Rogerson, who works in the force’s Major Investigations Department (MID), also received a special award to commemorate her four decades of service to the force.

She said: “I joined back in 1981, at a time when female officers were not even given truncheons. We just had a black handbag, a first aid kit, handcuffs and a whistle.

“It’s crazy to fast-forward to 2022 and see how things have changed!”

DC Rogerson started her career working on the beat in Burton-upon-Trent, before transitioning to the criminal investigation department (CID), child protection and the major and organised crime department.

She added: “I’ve been very privileged to have worked alongside dedicated, professional and caring colleagues over my forty-year tenure.

“It’s been equally rewarding to see the development of female officers and staff across the country, who are now given the same opportunity and resources to succeed in their careers and make a difference within our communities.”

Two PC’s were also honoured at the ceremony for their life-saving actions after a jogger suffered a cardiac arrest whilst running in Stafford last year.

On 10 May (2021), PC Thomas McLaughlin, who was patrolling the area, rushed to the man’s aid and commenced CPR whilst his colleague, PC Jess McKie, managed nearby traffic and passers-by.

The man was stabilised once paramedics arrived and later made a recovery in hospital.

PC McKie was presented with the Chief Constable’s Commendation, whilst PC McLaughlin was awarded with the Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate.

Inspector Dave Kelsall, who joined the force back in October 2001, also received an award for his 20-years’ service.

He started as a response officer within Tamworth local policing team, where he stayed for four years.

During this time, he worked on a long-term child exploitation investigation which result in the conviction of the suspect.

“It’s perhaps one of the most rewarding results in my career as a police officer,” he said.

“Working as an Inspector within the armed response and dog support unit is certainly a pivotal and very rewarding role, but protecting and delivering justice for this young vulnerable victim and ensuring they got the right support is something that will always stay with me.”

Following this spell on the beat, Insp Kelsall took up a temporary Sergeant post within Tamworth, leading into his preliminary role within armed response in 2006.

From there, he expanded his experience across roles as a custody sergeant, firearms and public order command, deputy commander for Stafford and a force incident manager within the force’s control room.

He said: “I’ve witnessed first-hand how much the force has changed over the last two-decades in advanced technology, modernisation of vehicles, specialist resources, equipment and our capability in responding to the most serious callouts in our communities.

“Our specialist teams make a huge difference to the communities of Staffordshire on a daily basis. Our dog-handlers and armed response vehicles are available 24/7, patrolling and supporting colleagues across the force and using their skills in a variety of policing situations.

“Being able to lead such a professional team is hugely rewarding.   

Speaking on receiving his award, Insp Kelsall added: “It’s a proud moment for me and my family who have supported me throughout my career.

“It’s great that the force recognises the achievements of both officers and staff across the board with events like this, which is something special to remember.

“It gives you a great feeling of being recognised and drives that passion to keep being the best you possibly can to continue to service the communities of Staffordshire and our teams.”