Police officers awarded for professionalism and dedication to duty
Police officers, members of staff and volunteers from Exeter, East and Mid Devon have received awards for their professionalism and diligence to help keep the area safe.
Police constable Zane McCormack and student officer Mike Lippett attended a tragic suicide of a 14 year old boy who had gone missing the previous evening. Understandably the family were extremely distraught and traumatised. The officers demonstrated compassion, sensitivity and professionalism. They were deeply affected by the nature of the incident, in particular through the grief the family were experiencing. They showed extreme resilience in extremely difficult circumstances and went over and beyond their call of duty.
Detective constables Stephen Harrington, Chantal Morgan, Hannah Northcott and Rob Poole were recognised for their involvement in Operation Birdy. This was a complex investigation into dwelling burglaries across the South of England. Sixty burglary offences were identified in Devon & Cornwall area alone. The officers undertook endless enquiries and coordinated the subsequent investigation, using advanced techniques to make complex evidence clear. Two offenders were sentenced to significant custodial sentences.
Detective sergeant Mark Oldershaw and Detective constables Matt Burnell and Lee Perry were awarded for his professionalism and attention to duty regarding Operation Bonzo. This related to three violent incidents in 2016 which were characterised by kidnap, aggravated burglary and the discharge of a firearm. The complex and testing investigations were mastered by both overt and covert detective skills. The team exhibited a tenacious blend of experience and enthusiasm, achieving a series of convictions and custodial sentences of nearly 25 years.
Detective constable Christopher Wright led an investigation in relation to the conspiracy to supply Heroin and Crack Cocaine by an organised crime group from West London. A series of drugs, cash and mobile phones were seized and arrests made. DC Wright's hard work resulted in two leading gang members being charged with conspiracy. The weight of evidence amassed by DC Wright led to guilty pleas during trial. The offenders were sentenced to a total of 17 and a half years.
Detective sergeant Alan Barnsley, Detective constables Christopher Wright and Stephen Harrison and investigator Paul Richardson were awarded for their dedication to duty. In October 2017, DS Barnsley led a team that made a significant difference in making Exeter a safer place. The team worked tactically and intelligently to ensure the safe arrest and detention of 21 drug traffickers who committed various levels of offence. This included taking down two influential drug lines and the seizure of large quantities of Class A drugs and cash.
Detective constable Christopher Wright was awarded for selflessness, respect and fairness. Three members of a professional and dangerous criminal group were sentenced to a total 61 years imprisonment for the rape and GBH of vulnerable people and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. A fourth person was convicted of drug supply and conspiracy to commit GBH. DC Wright, with his colleagues, made an outstanding contribution to the investigation and worked tirelessly to support victims and witnesses.
Police community support officers Percy Giles, Nic Unsworth and Ben Turner, along with volunteers Zelah Strick, Harry Strick and Andy Martin have completed over sixty community events whilst leading the Police Cadet Unit in Exeter. They oversee a unit of forty young people who they encourage to assist and engage with the community they serve. Each of them demonstrate high standards of professionalism, compassion and dedication to this part of the young Police family. Exeter Police Cadets is one of the best within the Force and this is due to the leaders who give up their valuable time to teach and nurture those who attend.
Crime prevention officer Kris Calderhead was recognised for his dedication to victims of Exeter. During his service, he has focused on vulnerable people, in particular those at risk. He has carried out safeguarding for those particularly at high risk of domestic violence, which can at times, be extremely demanding and emotional. Kris has shown great understanding and empathy to all of these victims.
Superintendent Matt Lawler who heads the police teams for the area said "I am extremely proud of these officers and members of staff who have gone beyond the call of duty to safeguard local communities."
