On Tuesday 08/10/19, Merseyside Police held its annual “Community First Awards” which aims to celebrate excellence and recognise the dedication and professionalism of Police officers and staff.
The ceremony, which is now in its third year, also saw community partners and volunteers recognised for their invaluable work alongside the police and their commitment to the communities of Merseyside.
The event was held at the Hilton Hotel Liverpool, where guests were greeted outside by officers from the Mounted Section in ceremonial uniform, followed by a warm welcome from schoolchildren from the force’s Mini Police initiative.
The awards evening is made possible through the sponsorship of award categories by a variety of companies and organisations. The Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Andy Cooke QPM, was joined in presenting the awards to the winners by sponsor representatives.
Fund raising
A fabulous array of raffle and auction prizes were donated
During the evening, a raffle and auction were held to raise funds for the event’s two chosen charities – The Merseyside Police and High Sheriff’s Charitable Fund, and the Stand Tall Foundation. Raffle and auction prizes were kindly donated by a variety of companies including: Slaters Menswear, Wreckfish Bistro, Experience Days, ACC Liverpool, The Jockey Club, Liverpool Empire and the Beatles Story.
Speaking after the awards, Chief Constable Cooke said: “Year upon year I continue to be left astounded by the achievements of officers and staff that we hear about at the Community First Awards, and I would like to congratulate, and thank, all the winners and nominees for their exceptional work.
This awards night would not have been possible without the generosity of all our sponsors and the local companies and organisations who kindly donated an auction or raffle prize.”
Among the award winners were four officers that launched Operation Lamprey, to tackle the exploitation of vulnerable residents in Bootle by drugs gangs; Megan Buckland, who took on the role of the force’s first ever Digital PCSO after just 12 months with Merseyside Police; Constable Chris Eastwood who won Police officer of the Year; Constables Lee Dixon, Darren Weston and Nicholas Houghton who won the bravery award; and the Chief Constable’s award winner – Constable Jamal Malique Al-Shabazz from Liverpool Community Policing.
It is one thing to recognise the incredible work by officers, staff and volunteers, but to do that during an event which also helped raise funds to support our brave horses is even more fabulous.
A big thank you from the Mounted Section to all those guests that joined in the raffle and auction.
