OFFICERS have been celebrated by Dorset Police at a recent awards ceremony.

Alongside officers, staff and members of the public have also been applauded for their contribution to the Force and community.

The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 28 and acknowledged officers' dedication to policing, as well as their long service and conduct. 

PC Beth Pharoah, PC Louis Kellaway, PC Gary Wilson and one other officer were awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for the actions they displayed responding to reports of a man with a knife in a car park and flat. 

This incident involved threats to blow up the building and some serious challenges to personal safety. 

However, they were able to evacuate the residents safely and detained the man concerned. 

The attending firearms officers and colleagues from Bournemouth north neighbourhood policing team were also recognised for their support and courage on that day. 

PC Antony Frost, PC Gemma Nowell-Smith and two other officers received a Royal Humane Society Award for their swift and decisive actions at a serious road traffic collision in which they were required to perform vital CPR on a young child and saved their life.

The Dorset Criminal Justice Board Award was presented to Rachel Janaway, Sarah Wilton, Jennifer Toogood and Inspector Samuel Goom of the Pineapple Project.

The project is leading the way to making Dorset a safer place for all girls and young women to live and visit. 

The team raises awareness of violence against women and girls who experience sexual assault, exploitation, or peer-on-peer abuse.

The team demonstrates a clear passion and commitment to ensure that the voices of Dorset girls and young women are heard and listened to and that the challenges they face in the community and at home are understood.

Chief constable Amanda Pearson said: “Our policing family is made up of thousands of exceptionally talented and dedicated staff, officers and volunteers who work every day to do their very best in delivering an excellent service to our communities.

“These award ceremonies act as stark reminder the professionalism our officers, staff and volunteers demonstrate and the risks they take in putting themselves in harm’s way.

“It was a great pleasure to recognise the outstanding long service and conduct of a number of police officers, staff and volunteers who have served our communities diligently for so many years.

"I am immensely proud of them all and their families and friends who support them.”