Police Partnership honours volunteers

Volunteers who support the work of Devon and Cornwall Police in the communities it serves will be honoured at an awards ceremony tonight (Friday).

The Devon and Cornwall Police Partnership Community Volunteer Awards will be held at Sandy Park, home of Exeter Chiefs rugby team.

Awards will be presented by Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg and by Julie Dowton, Chair of Devon and Cornwall Community Watch Association (DaCCWA).

In previous years DaCCWA held an annual awards ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the activities of watch schemes and their members. This year, for the first time, the awards ceremony has been expanded to include Community Police Cadets, Special Constables and all police volunteers as well.

There is also an additional category of Community Citizen of the Year which acknowledges and allows thanks to be given to a member of the public who has engendered community benefit through their active citizenship.

Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said: “These awards are a wonderful opportunity for us to promote the contribution from volunteers who so admirably support Devon and Cornwall Police in building safer communities together.  Volunteers are key in helping us to engage effectively in local areas, and we greatly value the time and commitment they so generously give.”

Tony Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “This award ceremony recognises the hard work and real contribution that volunteers make to support our police force and ensure community safety. I passionately and strongly believe that volunteers and members of the public help make, and shape, the future of our communities and policing.”

One of the awards to be presented by Julie Dowton, chair of DaCCWA, is the Crimestoppers Young Citizen of the Year, sponsored by the independent charity which has been an integral part of these events, sponsoring an award for several years.

She said: “The evening is about recognising the valuable contribution volunteers are making in their communities.  I offer not only our congratulations to all those receiving an Award but also a big thank you for the work they do in keeping our communities safe.”