The achievements of Wiltshire Police volunteer Joe Power and Special Sergeant Nigel Todd have been recognised at the regional Special Constabulary and Police Support Volunteers’ Awards 2017.
The ceremony hosted by Gloucester Constabulary took place on Sunday 15 October and celebrated the massive contribution special constables and volunteers make to their local community, and the added value they bring to policing across the South West.
Regional Police Support Volunteer of the Year 2017 was awarded to Joe Power for his instrumental role as part of the Rural Crime Partnership. Joe’s passion and drive to highlight rural crime has been clearly reflected in his work to support the rural crime partnership and officers. Through this varied role Joe helps us to keep in contact with key partners, offers guidance and advice to the rural crime team and plays a key role in the development of the rural crime partnership strategy. Joe also finds the time to support community policing teams by attending meetings and highlighting rural issues.
Police Constable Marc Jackson who nominated Joe Power for the award said: “We are very fortunate to have Joe working with us.
“He continually goes that extra mile when performing his role, and does it with a can do attitude which is infectious for all of those who meet him.
“I was extremely pleased to learn that Joe had won the award, and it was thoroughly deserved.”
Joe Power said: “I was extremely surprised and pleased to have been nominated for this award.
“It is a real honour to have been selected to go forward to the regional awards, as there are so many deserving people volunteering in many diverse roles for Wiltshire Police, and it shows just how highly valued we are.
“I love my role, and the fact that I am supported so ably by Wiltshire Police makes it a real pleasure, and a privilege, and I am looking to many more years of service.”
The Special Constable of the year 2017 award has been given to Special Sergeant Nigel Todd. As a Special, Nigel gives up his free time to work alongside regular officers and in the first six months of 2017 gave 699 hours. Nigel often goes above and beyond to support the Force and other members of the Special Constabulary. He helps other Specials to develop by running a weekly tutoring session, takes time to tirelessly update duty records on behalf of the resource management department and supports community policing out on patrol.
Special Sergeant Nigel Todd who was nominated by Special Inspector Rob Bewey for this award said: “I am humbled and honoured to have been nominated by my colleagues in the Special Constabulary and to receive the support of my regular colleagues for this award.
“When I joined the Special Constabulary in 1993, to give something back to the community, I had no idea that I would still be involved or that I would be a Special Sergeant, managing and mentoring student Special constables.
“I am part of a large number of volunteers in the South West Region, who give thousands of hours of their time to support the police and their communities. I thank them for all their considerable effort that they give back to the community each year.”
Special Inspector Robert Bewey said: “I would describe Nigel as the most dedicated and effective officers that I have ever known.
“I am absolutely delighted for him, no one deserves this more than Nigel; he is a very noteworthy winner of this prestigious award”.
Superintendent Phil Staynings who leads for Wiltshire Police on Citizens in Policing said: “I’m pleased for Joe and Nigel who won their respective categories. I am also proud the Bobby Van team who received a nomination at the ceremony and the Unmanned Aviation Support Group (UASG) who received a certificate of merit for innovation.
“I’m very proud to work with such dedicated individuals and would like to pass on my congratulations to all those concerned”.
“The force has an amazing cohort of special constables and volunteers that deliver an outstanding service to our public. The results of this award ceremony rightly recognise their commitment and I was both privileged and delighted to share the day with them all.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson said: “It is important that we recognise those who work to keep us safe, and these awards help us to highlight the important contribution that those who volunteer with us make.
“I would like to thank all those who give up their time for free to support Wiltshire Police and to congratulate all those who were nominated especially Joe and Nigel who have been formally recognised for their dedication and support.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the Unmanned Aviation Support Group, who were awarded a special commendation recognising the work they have done in establishing the unmanned aerial vehicle service for Wiltshire and in supporting the police service in its development”
