Port Of Dover Police Awards 2011

Families and friends gathered last week (Thursday, 10 March 2011) to recognise the dedication and outstanding service shown in 2010 from Port of Dover police officers and civilian colleagues in an awards ceremony at The Ark in Dover.

Guests included Chairman of Dover Harbour Board, Roger Mountford, who presented the awards.

The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was awarded to PC Neil Parfitt, PC Martin Richardson and Detective Constable Graeme Daubney for good conduct over a minimum of 20 years service. The Civilian Staff Long Service Award was presented to Communications Officers Jan Bilton, Sue Charles and Mandy Goodwin.

PC Neil Parfitt received the Chief Officer's Commendation which is the highest form of 'In Force' recognition for his professionalism, leadership and sensitivity. This award is made in recognition of a particular course of action, which, having regard to all the circumstances, including service and age of the nominee, could be regarded as positively outstanding. Following a collision between two powerboats during the Dover Regatta on 8th August 2009, PC Parfitt successfully co-ordinated the emergency service response to the incident. His professionalism ensured that the scene was preserved, evidence was obtained and crucial witnesses identified. This enabled the subsequent investigation to quickly identify the cause of the accident. His attention and sensitivity towards the family of the deceased ensured that the family were fully informed and supported and appropriately protected from public gaze throughout the tragedy.

In relation to the same incident three Chief Officers Certificate of Merit were awarded to PC Ian Douglas, PC Darren Parkinson and Detective Constable Lorraine Mackie. Again the officers took charge in clearing a shielded area for the paramedics to work, providing the victim and his family some dignity during that harrowing time. The officers went on to care for the victim's family and ensure their needs were met in the hours that followed. In doing so they displayed a wholly professional and compassionate manner in very difficult circumstances.

The final Certificate of Merit went to PC Ian Thwaites in recognition of his prompt and life-saving actions on 27th November 2010. Whilst off duty, PC Thwaites administered artificial resuscitation to revive an unconscious woman who had stopped breathing.

Chief Police Officer Steve Masters said: "Every year my colleagues in the Port of Dover police force show the highest levels of dedication to their job. The ability to handle a situation in a professional way, whether in uniform or not, is always expected, but also keeping the local community at the forefront of their work is at the very heart of what the Port's police force stands for."