Bedfordshire Police officers, staff and members of the public celebrated
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On Tuesday (26 September), Bedfordshire Police officers, staff and members of the public were joined by the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire as they were awarded by Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst for their long service, Chief Commendation’s and Royal Humane Society awards at a ceremony held at Police Headquarters in Kempston.
During the ceremony, we heard stories of life saving actions being undertaken by officers, staff and members of the public.
Police Staff member Mark Mason, who is a Cadet Instructor with the force, was amongst those awarded for his outstanding bravery when, on in October 2021, he rushed towards a vehicle which was on fire. Inside was a member of the public and her 6-month-old child who were travelling home when their car overheated and caught alight. Not only did Mark offer the woman and child his car to keep them safe, he also called the police and fire service, navigated the traffic and continued to check on the pair before taking them home. The member of the public wrote to us to say that she was “forever grateful and feels so fortunate that Mark was there that day.”
PCs Watson and Jenner, along with a member of the public, were awarded for their compassionate actions which saved a man’s life in the early hours of Monday 12 December 2022. PCs Watson and Jenner were driving home from their duties when they saw a man collapsed beside his car in the snow. He was visibly unwell and was suffering from a serious medical condition. Both officers used their own outer jackets and clothing to cover him and immediately provided initial care. A member of the public, a retired paramedic, drove past and despite the inclement weather stopped to assist in providing additional care and basic first aid to the man before an ambulance could arrive. Despite the driving snow and temperatures of minus 5 all three acted in complete selflessness putting the immediate needs of the victim before their own.
During the evening we celebrated the 20-year long service of six police staff members who have given outstanding contribution to policing over a significant period of time, supporting operational policing in their specialist roles. Those awarded with long service are from a variety of departments across the force and are fundamental to policing.
Member of the Public Noemi Csordas was presented with her Royal Humane Society award by Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, for her life saving actions when she gave CPR to a man who had just landed from Hungary at Luton Airport, where Noemi was working at the time. Also presented with a Royal Humane Society award was Special Constable Amy Hobbs who supported officers and paramedics during an incident in Luton where a woman was attempting to take her own life.
Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said: “Presenting these awards is one of the best things that I get to do as the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire.
“During the ceremony we heard of some incredible acts of bravery, lifesaving actions and outstanding contributions to the force. Showing compassion, courage and professionalism.
“Everything that these officers, staff and members of the public have done reflect the values and culture of our organisation and I am immensely proud of them all.
“I would like to extend a special thank you to the families and friends of our officers and staff who help us by supporting their loved ones to keep going above and beyond what is expected of them to protect the people of Bedfordshire. They could not do what they do, without that support."