Officer Praised For Helping Elderly Man Worried That Wife Was Missing

A SOUTH Yorkshire Police officer has revived praise for her professionalism in assisting an elderly man from Sheffield to locate his wife who he had reported missing.

PC Melanie Fergusson helped reassure Mike Allen, 85, who had called 101 after his wife had failed to return to the couple’s home at the usual time.

At the time, Mike was not aware that his wife had merely got on the wrong bus, and had become very concerned for her welfare.

However, Melanie, working alongside one of the force’s skilled call handlers, was on hand to provide ‘comforting competence’ with follow-up calls regarding the incident.

Mike was so touched by the pair’s work he wrote a letter to South Yorkshire’s Chief Constable, Stephen Watson, to express his gratitude.

As a reward for her good work, Melanie was presented with a force commendation and a small gift by Mike on behalf of his family.

Deputy Head of Force Communications, Chief Inspector Becs Horsfall. said: “I am heartened to hear what great service Mr Allen received from these two members of staff, fortunately, he did not need further assistance from us, but the interaction he did have obviously made an impact. A little bit of recognition goes a long way.”