Police officers, staff, volunteers and community partners recognised at the seventh annual Community First Awards

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy with one of the night's winners, Constable Laurence Hancock

 

Merseyside Police’s annual ‘Community First Awards’ were celebrated last night, Tuesday 12 November, to recognise police officers, staff, volunteers, and community partners for their dedication, bravery and professionalism.

The ceremony, now in its seventh year, saw members of the force awarded for a range of achievements.

Partner agency professionals, volunteers and community leaders were also recognised for their invaluable work alongside the police and their commitment to supporting our communities, preventing crime, protecting people, and pursuing offenders in Merseyside.

Nominations came in from across the force and a judging panel shortlisted nominations for the awards, with Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell each choosing a winner for their own personal choice awards.

The Chief Constable presented the awards at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool last night and described the evening as “a fantastic event to prove to our officers and staff how valued they are.”

She said: “It goes without saying that I am immensely proud of the work that goes on day-in-day-out across the force to protect and serve the people of Merseyside. None of that would be possible without the professionalism and dedication of every single person who works here.

“It is fantastic that officers, staff, volunteers, partners, sponsors and members of the public are able to come together to recognise and acknowledge those who go the extra mile to really make a difference through their exceptional work and it is right they should be publicly applauded.

“These past few months have been a very difficult and challenging time for Merseyside Police and I am grateful to all officers and staff who have never wavered in their continuing commitment, passion and professionalism.

“The Community First Awards are a true reflection of our ethos and standards here at Merseyside Police and shows that we are a force which truly puts our communities at the heart of everything we do. 

“Every single person and team nominated for an award should feel hugely proud of what they have achieved. Listening to the testimonies was exceptionally humbling and it was a pleasure to be able to personally present the winners with their well-deserved awards.

“This awards night would not have been possible without the generosity of all our sponsors and a special thanks goes to A&B Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, Softcat, LFC, Everton Stadium, Robert James Solicitors, Motorola Solutions, LA Productions, NicheRMS365, Unison, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Willmot Dixon, NEC, Laser Tech UK and SelectaDNA.

“Finally, I would again like to thank and congratulate the winners and nominees. I am incredibly proud to work with such inspirational individuals and I am extremely pleased that last night their achievements were recognised.”

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy congratules one of the night's winners

 

Merseyside's Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The Community First Awards is always such an inspiring and humbling evening.

“It’s an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and give thanks for the hard work, bravery, and dedication of Merseyside Police’s officers, staff and volunteers, as well as some of our key community safety partners.

“The amazing work they do day in, day out serving our communities makes me very proud. This evening gives us a chance to shine a light on the very best of their work and pay tribute to those individuals who have truly gone above and beyond to prevent harm, bring offenders to justice and support victims.

“I was particularly pleased to present two awards this evening. Firstly, to our fantastic Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, which over the past five years, has united organisations across our region to take a truly public health approach to preventing serious violence.

“Secondly, to my former Community Engagement Manager, Norma Kielty Crummey, who for more than 20 years was at the forefront of building positive relationships between the police and our communities with a focus on making our organisations more equal, more diverse and more inclusive. Norma’s passion and dedication to this work has made her well known across our region and she is a very worth winner of my award.”

Guests enjoying the event

Among the winners on the night were:

• Bravery – Constable Erin Lee

In January 2024 Constable Erin Lee from the County Lines TaskForce was on plainclothes patrol in Newton-le-Willows. Erin sighted a group of males taking turns on a scrambler bike and driving in a dangerous manner around a local park. In order to bring  their anti-social behaviour to an end, she communicated with other colleagues in the area. The officers positioned themselves around the park to help detain the males

safely.  Erin attempted to stop one of the males who started to walk along a nearby alleyway. He made off when he realised she was a police officer. Despite the significant difference  in their stature, Erin chased the male whilst communicating with her colleagues. During the chase, he threatened her and made multiple pleas to his associates on the scrambler bike.  The male realised Erin was isolated and outnumbered. As he failed to outrun her, he brandished a handgun and declared his willingness to cause harm if she did not cease her pursuit. Erin maintained her position and  took decisive action. A physical struggle ensued. The male’s size and strength helped him to get Erin in a headlock whilst still holding the firearm. Erin’s determination and tactical expertise enabled  her to release herself and knock the handgun from his grasp. She held on to the male and recovered the weapon. As Erin’s colleagues arrived to assist, she continued to fight until the male was subdued.

Constable Lee said: “I was part of the County Lines Task Force when I pursued a rider of a scrambler bike that we believed was stolen.  The driver ran away across fields then pulled out a loaded handgun on me.  I detained him and recovered the gun.

“He was convicted this week and received a significant jail sentence. I’m really proud to receive an award, for myself and for my team. It’s fantastic to feel as though you’ve made a difference and contributed to someone’s life or tried to help in some way.” 

• Leadership & Me – Team of the Year: FIT Team  

Now in its fifth year, The Firearms Investigation Team (FIT) continues to disrupt the possession and use of firearms in our communities. Since its establishment in 2020, the FIT has contributed to a steady decline in firearms discharges, achieving the lowest levels recorded in over two decades.  In the 2024 financial year, the FIT charged 37 individuals with firearms offences, securing a total of 127 years in sentencing for criminals who pose the greatest risk to the safety of the Merseyside public.

Chief Constable’s Award: Laurence Hancock and PD Quga

Constable Laurence Hancock’s commitment to tackling organised crime and apprehending dangerous criminals has been unwavering since joining the Matrix Dog Section in 2021. Since licensing with Police Dog (PD) Quga, Larry has formed an outstanding team that continues to grow stronger. Over the past three years, Larry and PD Quga have apprehended more than 70  suspects. They have taken a number of weapons off the streets and discovered over 30 pieces of incriminating evidence. Some of these findings have led to significant sentences for the suspects involved. Larry recognises the risk of illegal and stolen motorbikes often employed  in criminal activities. He was recently involved in a pursuit of a group of motorcycles. Larry and PD Quga chased down and detained one suspect, before successfully tracking and locating the pillion passenger.

Constable Hancock said: "Quga is a real asset to the force and I couldn’t be prouder for myself and for Quga to receive this award. She lives with us day in, day out and  I put more trust in her than anyone.

“The Community First Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate all our hard work, Quga is an absolute credit to Merseyside Police.”

Ricky Tomlinson was among the guests along with our Mini Police

 

Other winners on the night included:

Police officer of the Year : Lisa Farley

Leadership & Me Police staff employee: Laurence Major

Volunteer of the Year: Adam Lester

Support Victims and Vulnerable People Award: PCSO Sue Fowles

Community Engagement Award: News and Communications

Tackling Organised Crime Award – Covert Syndicates 1&2

Healthy People Award – Wellbeing: E Block Zone 1 Sergeants

Community First Partnership Award: Operation Blackbird

Prevention – Inspector Brian Loughran and Nadine Andrews

Leadership & Me – Police Special Officer of the Year: Claire Price

Specialist Capabilities Award: Force Operations

Healthy Organisation Award – Innovation & Efficiency – Resources People Engagement Team

Healthy People Award – Diversity and Inclusion: Apologise Now Campaign Team

The Police & Crime Commissioner’s Award: Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP)

PCC Special Recognition: Norma Kielty-Crummey