Chief hails ‘exceptional’ police family

The Chief Constable summed it all up in one sentence: “We believe Suffolk police is exceptional but a group of stand-out officers and staff have been recognised in the 2025 annual awards.”

Rachel Kearton led the tributes to an amazing selection who have gone above and beyond their duty to look after residents, businesses and visitors to Suffolk.

She was joined at the Exceptional Policing Awards evening in Ipswich’s Venue 16 on Wednesday 12th November by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk Yvonne Gilchrist-Mason, High Sheriff of Suffolk Gulshan Kayembe, Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore and compere Angelina Quamina MBE as well as sponsors and colleagues.

Here are just some of the highlights:

CHIEF CONSTABLE’S CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION

Pc Bente Lusher provided support and reassurance to distressed members of the public who saw a woman who had been badly injured in a crash. Bente offered support to the victim and acted with professionalism and composure while awaiting Emergency Service colleagues.

Dc Scott Swallow was off duty with his son Jayden, 15, when they came across a man brandishing a knife in a village. Scott called 999 and then restrained the suspect and recovered the knife when he began to approach members of the public. He prevented further injury when the suspected attempted to self-harm. Both Scott and Jayden were praised for their actions.

Pc Charles Stephenson and a colleague showed great composure to assist with CPR when they came across a young male who had attempted to take his own life. The officers also shielded a young witness from further trauma.

ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY AWARDS

These special awards recognise acts of bravery in the saving of human life and for effecting successful resuscitations.

Pc Peter French for battling through thick smoke to save an elderly bed-ridden man in a home fire.

Pc Lucy Robson for performing CPR on a trapped driver in a collision and then caring enough to personally drive the victim’s family to hospital.

EXCEPTIONAL PARTNERSHIP WORKING AWARD

Phanuel Mutumburi and Sharon Lee from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE) and Supt Jon Chapman for helping to transform the police approach to community engagement.

SUFFOLK VALUES AWARD – COURAGEOUS

Temp Sgt Matthew Holmes and Pc Alex Allport supported family members, the public and other colleagues at a tragic incident where a woman sadly passed away.

LEADING WITH CARE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP 

Chief Inspector Shawn Wakeling was picked as a role model for delivery after helping to transform the Contact & Control Room into a high-performing unit by promoting a supportive culture, developing trust and confidence. The High Sheriff said: “Shawn’s professionalism, drive and determination are second to none.”

CHIEF CONSTABLE CERTIFICATES OF MERIT

Among the recipients of this awards was the Operation Spotlight team, established with the support of Home Office funding to combat anti-social behaviour. It led to a 45% drop in incidents and an additional £1 million government grant to carry the work forward. Sgt Dominic Mason (tactical lead), Zoe Ballard, Helen Borthwick, Jade Froud, Hannah Tyrrell, Emma Weller and Edward York are among the team and who attended the awards ceremony.

CITIZENS IN POLICING – CADET

Cadet leader Rianna Coote for demonstrating exceptional dedication and leadership over the past decade. Runner-up in this category and winner of a Chief Constable Certificate of Merit is senior cadet Mia Rook, who has displayed exceptional leadership qualities.

Chief Constable Rachel Kearton said: “The evening was all about celebrating the work of our police officers and staff. I want to give my personal thanks to all the award recipients for the valuable contribution that each and every one of them make to the policing of Suffolk.

“I also want to thank those officers and staff members whose work has been recognised but who are unable to join us this evening.

“We are fortunate to live and work in one of the safest counties in the country and all of you, and your colleagues across the Constabulary, are the reason we maintain that position. Every day I come across a high degree of professionalism, judgment and dedication and that makes me very proud to be part of Suffolk Constabulary.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “It was an absolute pleasure to attend the annual Exceptional Policing Awards evening and take the opportunity to address everyone. An evening such as this shines like a bright beacon and reminds us all that there is a great deal to celebrate in our county’s police force.

“Many of the awards recognise the amazing achievements right across our Constabulary from front line officers to staff, volunteers, cadets and the Special Constabulary. That’s why we are so fortunate to live and work in our wonderful county which is one of the safest in the United Kingdom – for over a year recorded crime levels are the third lowest nationally.

“That ‘can do’ approach harvesting the power of collaboration across so many agencies is remarkable. As Police and Crime Commissioner I would like to express my heartfelt thanks on behalf of local residents and businesses.”

Photos can be found here