Chief Constable commends individuals for exceptional dedication to protecting others

Rescuing a vulnerable man from the edge of a bridge, working tirelessly to support domestic abuse victims and implementing pioneering mobile data technology across the Force.

These are some of the highlights of the actions taken by individuals awarded for their professionalism, bravery and long service at the Chief Constable’s Commendation Ceremony on Thursday, 16 June.

Held at Guildford Cathedral, the ceremony saw Detective Constable Michael Taylor receive the prestigious High Chief Constable commendation for his consistent and outstanding dedication to front line policing. Joining the Force in 1990 and qualifying as a Detective in 1999, in his 26-year career he has relentlessly investigated a multitude of cases. A notable highlight came when he appealed and ultimately worked to overturn a CPS decision not to charge suspects of a knifepoint robbery in 2013.

Chief Executive of East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services (ESDAS), Michelle Blunsom was also commended for her work with vulnerable victims across the county. In 2014/15 alone, ESDAS managed a staggering 12,484 contacts from survivors. In her role as Chief Executive, she ensures survivors of domestic abuse have access to advice and support to help rebuild their lives. Ms Blunsom has personally trained hundreds of officers and staff in areas of domestic abuse legislation.

Police Constables Paul Langtree, Peter Bazley, Scott Nield and Joshua Bird were recognised for their bravery and sensitivity in dealing with a vulnerable man in December 2015. The officers held the male’s wrists to prevent him from falling off the edge of Walton Bridge. Using their combined strength they managed to pull the man up and after a short conversation convinced him to come over the railing to safety.

Awards given out on the evening were as follows:

Michelle Blunsom - Chief Executive of East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services

Dr Eleanor Stanley

Susan Peters

Reigate:

Paul Hurrell

Spelthorne:

Christopher North

Guildford:

Jonathan Meaney

Jude Brendon

Special Constable Steve Knight

DC Mike Taylor

Karen Traisnel

Mike Jenkins

Runnymede:

PC Paul Langtree

Elmbridge:

T/Sgt Peter Bazley

PC Scott Nield (Divisional Commendation)

PC Joshua Bird (did not attend ceremony)

Reigate:

PC Lewis Stoy

PC Daniel Barnes

PCSO Joe Plumridge

You can find all the night’s commendations and photographs from the event on our Facebook page.