Police awards mark bravery
Bravery, professionalism and exceptional commitment by Shropshire police officers and residents have been honoured at a West Mercia Police commendation ceremony. Bravery, professionalism and exceptional commitment by Shropshire police officers and residents have been honoured at a West Mercia Police commendation ceremony. Bridgnorth man Stephen Kendrick was presented with a top bravery award at the event in Shrewsbury last night after being stabbed five times as he grappled with two masked intruders at the Spar in Bridgnorth. Shrewsbury's Steven Branagh has also picked up a bravery award after diving into the River Severn to attempt to save a drowning man. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Shrewsbury's Steven Branagh has also picked up a bravery award after diving into the River Severn to attempt to save a drowning man.
A team of six police officers received divisional commendations for their work during a 21-month investigation into a series of raids on telephone kiosks across Shropshire in which thousands of pounds were stolen.
They were: Detective Sergeant Graham Edwards, now a detective inspector; Detective Sergeant Christopher Walsh, then a detective constable; Sergeant Julian Hinds; Detective Constable Glyn Teggin; Detective Constable Simon Morris and Detective Constable Russell Teece.
Constables Steven Bloomer and Phillip Nock also picked up commendations for their actions in dealing with a stabbing at Lea Manor, near Shifnal.
Constable Simon Dunn was presented with a commendation for saving the life of a man attempting to jump into the River Severn in Shrewsbury.
Community volunteer Iain McHardy was given a divisional commendation for his "enthusiastic commitment" in promoting Neighbourhood Watch during his eight years as chairman of North Shropshire Neighbourhood & Farm Watch.
A team of six police officers and call management centre staff were commended for their professionalism in dealing with a firearms incident at a farm near Shrewsbury. They included Sergeant David Grindley and constables Laura Richards, David Harte, Christian Wiggins, Andrew McLeary and Richard Johnson.
Two south Shropshire detectives - Michael "Joe" Jordan and Ian Davies - were presented with commendations for their success in tackling household burglaries across the area during 2006.
Police intelligence analyst Ben Oakley, from Shrewsbury, received a commendation for his work in preparing and presenting evidence for a court hearing.
Shrewsbury Detective Constable Nicola Richardson picked up a commendation for her work investigating a series of sex crimes, and Constables Simon Lewis and Benjamin Stephens were honoured for giving emergency first aid.
Section Officer Tony Rigg, of the special constabulary, was awarded with a commendation for work in the Shrewsbury area spanning more than 30 years.
By Sarah Bullock
