TWO Barnsley bobbies who came to the rescue of an officer under attack and saved her from a potentially life-threatening situation have been recognised for their bravery by police chiefs.
The annual Barnsley police awards were held at the town hall and throughout the evening guests were told stories of exceptional work ethic, commitment and outstanding acts of bravery in the ceremony, led by District Commander Ch Supt Scott Green.
Special recognition was paid to PC Simon Womersley and PC Jason Littlewood who were presented with the bravery award for their actions on one evening last year where another officer had been assaulted by a man she was trying to apprehend.
Ch Supt Green said: “PC Womersley and PC Littlewood were responding to an incident in which a man was said to have been running in and out of traffic on the A635 Doncaster Road near Darfield, which a colleague had already responded to.
“On arrival they heard their colleague screaming and found the man in question biting down on to her hand. After a violent and sustained attack on the officer, with both PCs Littlewood and Womersley making every effort to detain him, he was finally arrested after the officers deployed taser.
“It’s incidents like this that remind us of the dangers officers face day in day out and that we run towards the danger, often putting ourselves in harm’s way in order to protect others and keep them safe.
“Their courageous actions deserve to be recognised and they are a real credit to South Yorkshire Police.”
Ten awards and one commendation were presented to staff and officers at the ceremony.
Among the winners was the Barnsley Town Centre Team for its commitment in tackling antisocial behaviour.
The team, made up of both officers and PCSOs, took home the ‘team of the year’ award for addressing specific issues within the town centre.
“Since it was formed in January, the team has worked incredibly hard to tackle some of the really entrenched issues in the town centre, particularly around the interchange and Peel Square,” said Ch Supt Green.
“They adapted a problem solving approach and have worked to rebuild relationships, increase visibility and work together with local businesses, utilising civil injunctions and closure notices to make the area a safer and more enjoyable place to live, work and visit.”
Other winners included PCSO of the year Katherine McFadzean for her ‘continued passion and commitment’ to the role, and Inspector Les Portman for his ‘enthusiasm and commitment to policing’ throughout his career with the force, which began in December 1990.
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Full list of award winners:
· Jan Parton Police Staff Outstanding Achievement Award, Jayne Smith;
· Crawford Roebuck Trophy, Inspector Les Portman;
· PCSO of the Year, PCSO Katherine McFadzean;
· Don Betton Award, PC Tom Eaves;
· Special Constable of the Year, T/Special Inspector Nick Whittlestone;
· Continuous Improvement Award, A/PS Paul McClure;
· Manager of the Year, PS Richard Wilson;
· Bravery Award PC, Simon Womersley and PC Jason Littlewood;
· Community Service Award, Fiona Thompson;
· Team Award, Town Centre Neighbourhood Team
· Commendation Presentation, PCSO Dean Hamer.
