Outstanding contributions made by police officers, PCSOs, police staff and members of the community were rewarded at the 8th annual Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs).
Chief Constable Simon Bailey hosted the event, to which all shortlisted entries were invited. They were joined by the event sponsors, invited guests from the community, senior officers and staff.
Mr Bailey said: “The NOSCAs provides us with the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the exceptional work and contributions of many of our officers, staff and residents. The event highlights examples of dedication and praise for our officers, staff and community partners for their efforts.
“It must be remembered that while our employees are expected to make this important work a priority, local members of the community give their time voluntarily to help keep Norfolk a wonderful and safe place to live, work and visit.”
And several Great Yarmouth and Gorleston people were rewarded with awards.
The John Cecil Mason Volunteer of the Year Award was won by Stuart Malkovich.
The citation read: “Stuart’s commitment to volunteering is admirable, contributing over 2,000 hours of his time since 2010.
“He plays a vital role freeing up police officers’ time by driving personnel carriers in the Gorleston area, role playing at headquarters in Wymondham and being one of Norfolk Constabulary’s Mystery Shoppers, where he and others carry out real life scenarios to check security measures in place at police stations.”
The Young Citizen of the Year went jointly to Police Cadet Stuart Lindsay and Police Cadet Hannah Street.
His citation read: “Stuart has been a volunteer Police Cadet for the past 10 months, growing in confidence and now offering guidance to other cadets.
“He has offered door-to-door reassurance to vulnerable residents prior to Bonfire Night for Operation Gunpowder and assisted in an Anti Social Behaviour survey listening to the public’s concerns. Stuart regularly gives up his time to volunteer and give back to the community.”
Joint winners of the Chief Constable’s Special Recognition Award were DC Samantha Mortimer and PC Neil Smith.
Their citation read: “Samantha and Neil have been Family Liaison Officers for, and have hugely assisted the family of, Hannah Witheridge, following her murder in September 2014 on the island of Koh Tao, Thailand.
“Within days, and through the support and assistance of the officers, Hannah’s parents were able to travel to Thailand to engage with the Thai authorities, securing the repatriation of Hannah back to Britain.
“The support provided to the Witheridge family allowed them to honour Hannah’s memory and they have regularly spoken of their thanks and gratitude for all the officers’ assistance, which remains ongoing.”
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