Officer's award for lifetime's work

Chief Superintendent Nick Baker hosted a divisional commendation ceremony at Tillington Hall Hotel in Stafford on Friday. The lifetime achievement award was made to Detective Inspector Pete Wyatt who joined the police in 1981 and has served in both uniform and detective roles.

During his time in the major investigation department he was involved in a number of high profile investigations including Operation Thor. This was an investigation into historical child abuse in care homes which assisted in one of the highest conviction rates in the country for this type of investigation.

He also worked on the murder of Heather Tell in Lichfield and the Pendeford inquiry when the body of Floyd Dodson was found in a plastic bin.

During his time at Chase, since 2005, performance has improved across a number of areas.

Others who received plaudits included an outstanding bravery award for Andrew Austin who rescued a woman from the River Trent in July last year.

Andrew jumped into the water at great personal risk and pulled her to safety on to the bank with the help of a friend.

Katie Boulton received a certificate of appreciation. She was travelling by train to Great Wyrley and when it was stopped at Cannock she saw a man pull a woman off the train. She saw that the woman was distressed and decided to call the police.

Before the police had got there, the man chased the woman and attacked her. Fortunately the incident was recorded on CCTV. On arrival officers were able to arrest the man.

The community beat officer of the year award was given to Sgt Paul Cooke of Watling neighbourhood policing unit who recently led an operation in partnership with HM Customs and Excise and Trading Standards into illegal activity at a local car boot sale.

PCSO Liz Dale received an award for excellence in intelligence development. She joined Rugeley neighbourhood policing unit in 2006 and has since been the PCSO for Brereton and Ravenhill.

PC Stephen Morrey received the response policing award and Dc John Owen the excellence in investigation award. Dc Owen was involved in the investigation of an armed robbery at Tesco Express, Stafford, on July17, 2008.

Special Case Worker Heath Westerman who worked on the case for the CPS also received a certificate of appreciation.

The PCSO of the year award winner was PCSO Helen Walker who has been based at Doxey since July 2007.

The special constable of the year award was given to Section Officer Chris Winwood, based at Wombourne neighbourhood policing unit for 14 years.