Award for Middleton police officers

Two police officers from Middleton are celebrating after winning the Citizen Focus Award at the Chief Constable’s Excellence Awards Ceremony.

Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) Dominique Grimes and Adrian Hazlehurst picked up the award at a special ceremony at Manchester Town Hall.

As part of Middleton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, they’ve worked hard with the community, local businesses and partners such as the local authority in the Moorclose and Mills Hill area of the town after it was blighted by anti-social behaviour.

Their work to find a solution has made them a real part of the community. They have organised activities for all ages and events with schools focusing on road safety and bullying. Their dedication to the community has not gone unnoticed with members of the community sending in letters of appreciation.

Inspector Gary Hall who nominated the two said: “In just four months, all their hard work has paid off with a dramatic reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour. This is a great result and is testament to their dedication and commitment to the community they serve.

“They are a real asset to the team and the Division and I know the community would agree with me in saying that they deserve this award.”

Sergeant Jo Reid of Pennine Neighbourhood Policing Team was a finalist in the Outstanding Leadership category.

Her ‘lead from the front’ attitude and commitment to her team and policing, is what led to her nomination. As a sergeant, she has helped to reduce crime in the area and increase the public’s confidence in the police.

Inspector Linda Houldershaw, Sergeant Graham Cooke and PCs Martin Kavanagh (now with Lancashire Constabulary) and Stephen Splaine, were finalists in the Brave Officer of the Year category. The four who received the Chief Constable's High Commendation and a Royal Humane Society certificate in November at Rochdale Town Hall were nominated after rescuing a man who tried to extinguish himself following a chip pan fire. He suffered burns to his arms and was taken to Rochdale Infirmary for treatment. He has since recovered from his injuries.

John O’Hare, Divisional Commander for Rochdale Division, said: “On a daily basis, and often in the most challenging of circumstances, I see fantastic work being carried out by staff across Rochdale. It is nice to see that examples of this work are being recognised and I am incredibly proud of all the officers nominated as finalists.

“The fact that Dominique and Adrian were selected for an award is testament to their hard work, personal commitment and general desire to make a positive impact in the community.”