Barnsley officers honoured for bravery and commitment

BARNSLEY’S Policing heroes have been honoured at an annual awards ceremony, celebrating outstanding bravery and commitment to policing.

Police officers from across Barnsley were joined by the District Command Team and special guests on 7 November to celebrate some of the heroic actions carried out over the past year.

The ceremony, which was led by District Commander Chief Superintendent Scott Green, saw 10 awards and one commendation presented to Barnsley’s staff and officers.

Among the award winners were PC Simon Womersley and PC Jason Littlewood, who were presented with the Bravery Award for their actions of saving a colleague from a potentially life-threatening situation.

They responded to an incident in which a man was said to have been running in and out of traffic on a major road, which a colleague had already responded to.

When they got there they heard their colleague screaming and found the man biting down on to her hand. After a violent and sustained attack on the officer, with both PC Littlewood and Womersley detained and arrested him.

Barnsley Town Neighbourhood Team picked up the team of the year award for their commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour in the town.

“Since they were formed in January, the team have worked incredibly hard to tackle some of the entrenched issues in the town centre, particularly around the interchange and Peel Square,” said Chief Supt Green.

“They adapted a problem-solving approach and have worked to rebuild relationships, increase visibility and work together with local businesses, utilising civil injunctions and closure notices to make the area a safer and more enjoyable place to live, work and visit.

“It honestly took us hours and hours to decide who this year’s winners would be and we had masses of nominations from staff across the borough which were all incredible to read.

“The awards honour a handful of the hundreds of dedicated, hard-working people we have here in Barnsley but I’m proud of every single staff member here, who are all take pride in their work and are committed to making Barnsley a safer place each and every day.”

Chief Constable Stephen Watson, Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings and the Mayor of Barnsley, Councillor Jeff Ennis, were also in attendance to congratulate the winners and present some of the awards.

Other award winners included Insp Les Portman for his “enthusiasm and commitment to policing” throughout his career with the Force, which began in December 1990.