Bedfordshire Police officers, staff and volunteers celebrated during annual Force Awards evening

Officers, staff and volunteers from across Bedfordshire Police were celebrated during the force’s annual force awards evening this week.

The force awards evening, funded by sponsors, was held last night (Thursday), at Woburn Safari Park to celebrate the incredible professionalism, courage and outstanding contributions of those who work to keep the communities of Bedfordshire safe with support from those in police staff roles, and force volunteers.

An officer who was seriously injured during an incident in Green Court, Luton in 2022 was this year’s winner of the PC Jon Henry Shield. Faced with a large fire engulfing the hallway after being deployed to the area in April 2022, as part of an investigation into three attempted arson attacks, the officer entered the property without hesitation in a desperate bid to save the life of the occupant. Having suffered significant injuries he remarkably assisted his colleagues in ensuring the safety of residents demonstrating incredible courage and bravery.

The PC Jon Henry Shield is awarded each year to an officer for an act of bravery in memory of PC 5584 Jon Henry who was murdered in George Street, Luton on the 11 June 2007. While responding to a report of a man attacking members of the public with a knife, Jon arrived as one of the first officers at the scene a long with three others. He was stabbed twice while protecting the public and his injuries proved to be fatal. This Sunday will be the 16^th anniversary of Jon’s murder. The sacrifice he made will never be forgotten by his colleagues or the communities of Bedfordshire.

Also among the winners were the Bedfordshire Police training team. During one of the force’s biggest recruitment drive the team has worked hard to train all of the new officer recruits to the highest standards, utilising and sharing a wealth of knowledge and experience. They have worked closely with partners to ensure the student officers get the best possible start to their careers. They have trained Tutor Constables to provide accurate assessments as part of the Student Officers probationary journey, ensuring that those joining the force are nurtured in their operational roles as they continue to gain experience. They have provided initial training courses for Specials and PCSOs, to assist them in building confidence and trust within our diverse communities and support operational policing. The team has contributed hugely to the force’s ability to police effectively and improve officers continued professional development. 

Sergeant Sandra Smith and Samantha Alexander were the winners of this year’s newest award category, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Champion. They were awarded for their work with Women of Colour in Policing and International Women’s Day events. Sandra and Sam work tirelessly to support people through personal challenges, to make events inclusive to everyone and really inspire people to be their best self. Together, they see the best in people, and make a huge difference to everyone, not just within policing, but externally too.

Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said: “Last night’s ceremony was a fantastic way to celebrate all the incredible achievements of our officers and staff and my first as Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police.

“I was blown away by the stories we heard of heroism, inclusivity and outstanding contributions to policing.

“I continue to be incredibly proud of everything that our officers, staff and volunteers achieve. Their courage, compassion, professionalism and outstanding contributions to policing can never be taken for granted.

“I would like to congratulate all of our winners, runners up and everyone else who continues to contribute to policing, every day.

“I would also like to thank our sponsors for their support, recognising our workforce is incredibly important and the event could not happen without them.”