Commendations for officers for their work keeping our communities safe

Last week dozens of officers were recognised for the work they do in serving our communities as part of both the North Bank Commander’s and the Specialist Crime Commander’s commendation ceremonies.

It was a proud day for all those involved, for all those who won, their colleagues and senior leaders who celebrated the good work all our officers and teams do.

There were some tough decisions that needed to be made to pick the winners out of so many deserving candidates, but the final list can be found below.

North Bank Commander, Chief Superintendent Darren Downs said: “I want to personally thank all my officers for their continued service, commitment and dedication to protecting the public.

“Some of the incidents we have seen involved some extremely difficult and harrowing incidents that were dealt with by my police officers in an extremely professional manner, and under some very challenging conditions.

“It makes me extremely proud to be able to highlight the work they do and I want to congratulate all the winners, along with all the officers who are committed to serving the public day-in, day-out.”

Specialist Commander and Head of Crime, Detective Chief Superintendent Lisa Atkinson said: “In every department across the force we all share a common goal – to keep our communities safe and make them stronger.

“Our primary focus is always to protect vulnerable people and deliver justice for victims and their families. The commendations illustrated every officer’s commitment to what we believe in as a service.

“There have been individuals who have been singled out and have been commended for their work, but I know every officer in Humberside Police always strives to achieve and to perform at their best.

“Well done everyone.”

North Bank Divisional Commander’s Commendations

PCSO Martin Wood – for his support and conduct in the continued development of My Community Alert and the new force intranet.

PCSO Scott O’Gorman & PCSO Paul Waller (see photo)- for going above and beyond to tackle burglary and vehicle related crime in the Sutton Ward.

PC Laura Minns – for her actions on two separate occasions when she helped someone in crisis on the Humber Bridge. She successfully got them to a place of safety and the appropriate support.

Operation Polaris – for a complex investigation following a firearms warrant at Bridlington. A significant amount of firearms and weapons were recovered. The offender received an indeterminate sentence.

DS Andrew Bradley & DS Steve Bowley – for a thorough investigation into kidnap and robbery which resulted in a number of lengthy custodial sentences.

DC Kim Blackburn, DC Jenny Ransom & DC David Jacketts – for a serious and complex investigation which resulted in a conviction and prison sentence. 

DC Amy Gray & DC Karen Smith – for an investigation into a number of violent robberies across Hull. It resulted in lengthy convictions for the offenders.

DC David Dobson – for a diligent and through investigation into a complex domestic abuse case.

PC Ben Daniels – for dedication to duty by responding to an incident in order to protect the public and his colleagues after being assaulted himself.

Operation Yellowfin (see top photo) – the team who tackled motorbike crime and ASB head on, bringing high priority offenders to justice, and making a significant difference to the community.

PCSO Dawn Brown – for consistently demonstrating outstanding problem solving in relation to the criminal exploitation of children and young people in the North Hull area.

PC Beth Hemstock – for an exceptional start to her police career. Beth has dealt with a range of complex incidents with professionalism and is a clear role model on her shift.

Inspector Rob Danby – for inspiring those around him to understand and contribute to divisional and force aims. Rob leads and motivates staff by encouraging officers to improve with clear accountability.

PS Simon Marshall – for his selflessness, passion and ability to continuously lead, motivate and encourage his colleagues to make a safer and stronger Bridlington.

PC Christopher Redford – for his hard work, determination and tenacity in making a significant difference to those most in need.

PC Brandon Ward (see right) – a highly motivated officer with unique knowledge and experience, ensuring Humberside Police are recognised nationally in the area of rural and wildlife crime, and for making a positive difference in rural communities.

Specialist Crime Commander’s Commendations

Michael Spicer & Michelle Harrison – for providing Humberside Police with the capability to provide radio frequency surveys to support serious crime investigations.

Carl Horth – for his analytical work in support of several investigations, and for his charity work for those officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our communities.

DC Samantha Chester, DS Paul Walker, IO Brian Coates, Mike Waudby (CPS), Kirsty Mathers (CPS) – for their work into the murder of Joanne Hemmingway. This was a difficult and complex investigation which was commended by HHJ Richardson QC.

DC Libby Thompson – for an investigation into historic sexual abuse offences committed by a defendant against his daughter and his former partner. It was managed sensitively and resulted in the defendant being sent to prison for 15 years.

DC Lucy Khan – for a thorough investigation into the rape of a vulnerable woman in Bridlington. This resulted in a violent and dangerous offender receiving 9 years in jail.

Geoff Birkett – for 45 years of loyal and dedicated service, and a substantial contribution to crime scene investigation in Humberside Police.

DC Katherine Drapier & DC Tony Wilkinson – for supporting a number of victims and their families throughout a long investigation into a dangerous perpetrator which resulted in a 17 year custodial sentence.

DC Rachel Hall – for a comprehensive investigation into a number of historical sexual offences and for excellent care for the victim throughout. A suspect was given 12 year behind bars.

DC Melanie Granger – for investigating and caring for a victim of a number of sexual offences. An offender was sent down for 14 years.

DS Stuart Fox, DC Stephen Bromby, DC Steven Baines, DC Kathryn Lindley, DC Victoria Sutton, DC Mark Gibson & DC Robert O’Neill – for team work, victim care and bringing to justice an offender for multiple offences including serious sexual offences and assault.

Tracy Robinson – commended for her dedication to public service, positive work ethic and flexibility in her work around domestic abuse and victim service.

DC Melanie Granger – for her commitment to completing a CPS action plan at short notice, which saw an offender getting a lengthy prison sentence. She was also praised by the prosecution barrister and the judge in the case.

DC Steven Baines – for his investigation into a racially motivated case where a 17 year old girl was attacked. This resulted in a man receiving an 11 year sentence which was increased to 15 years following an appeal.

DC Joanna Durham, PC Joseph White, PC Michael Robinson, PC Julie Fenton, PC Nicholas Overton, DC Alex Longbone, PC Marc Barnes, PS Beatrice Smith, DC Joanna Durham – for an investigation into a violent domestic abuse case which left a victim with horrific injuries. Despite the victim refusing to co-operate they were able to secure a prosecution which led to a defendant receiving 5 years in prison.                                                                                                                                        

DC Alex Longbone – for a missing person enquiry after a domestic abuse suspect fled, saying he would take his own life. Enquiries were made across several forces before the man was found and safely arrested.

DC Shona Kilner, DC Nicola Gibbs, DC Katherine Drapier, DC Rebecca McInnis, DC Claire Burnett, DC Rachel Robinson, DS Debra Carter – for their dedication throughout the investigation into the murder of Shane Gilmer.

DC Julian McGill – for work on a serious assault related to domestic abuse. This not only prevented the victim being subject to further harm but protected the community at large.