Twenty seven members of the public in Richmond have been commended for their bravery and outstanding community spirit by the borough’s chief of police.

Along with this, 37 police officers and six PCSOs have been commended by chief superintendent Parm Sandhu.

The 70 individuals received a total of 83 commendations at a ceremony held at the Imber Court Sports Club on Thursday, March 1, watched by friends, family, colleagues and members of the borough's senior leadership team.

Richmond resident and ambassador for The Prince's Trust, actor Tom Hardy, also attended, while an address was given by Richmond mayor Councillor Lisa Blakemore.

After the ceremony, Mr Sandhu said: “It is both a personal and professional privilege to have served as the borough commander of Richmond.

“I have led a workforce of police officers and police staff who collectively deliver a high quality policing service to our community in this part of London.

“Today's ceremony gives us an opportunity to recognise some outstanding work on the visible front line of policing, as well as support roles and outstanding support from members of the public, without which we could not function effectively.

“Listening to the commendations today I feel, as I always do, a real sense of pride.

“The courage, dedication and hard work is what policing is all about. Of particular note is that there are 27 recipients who are members of the public – thank you for stepping in and demonstrating true public spirit, we really do appreciate your support.

"It is also an opportunity for me to say a public 'thank you' to the family and friends of today's recipients.

“I, and the Metropolitan Police Service, remain extremely grateful for the support you and your loved ones give us.

“Policing has public service at its heart, and the commitment required can be demanding on our wider families.

“We understand that you too become part of that commitment and it is right that you too should share in today's celebration.”

Commendees:

  • Police Constables Russell Woollcott, Christopher Holland, Elleanor Murphy and a further PC for outstanding professional behaviour and performance in dealing with a suicidal male.
  • Police Constable Richard Valiant and Police Sergeant Michael Stevens for outstanding performance and professionalism in saving a male from committing suicide.
  • Police Constable Dean Smith and Mr Ian Nicholls for outstanding community engagement and partnership work.
  • Police Constables Dariusz Zajac and Richard Valiant for bravery shown in the apprehension of a violent male.
  • Police Constables Paramvir Takhar, Richard Valiant and Mr Daniel Rose for bravery and intervention to protect a vulnerable female.
  • Kirsty Oswald, Eoin O'Sullivan, Trevor Stevens, Susan Stevens, Jack Hanman, Adam Whiting, Jake Bassett, Martin Clark, Thomas Clark, Rose Schoolland and Lillian Schoolland for courage and tenacity in assisting with a serious incident on the River Thames.
  • Police Sergeant James McKenna for professionalism and dedication to locate and detain two robbery suspects.
  • Police Constable Sam Kelly for dedication and professionalism in successfully defining and fulfilling the role of the Borough Mental Health Liaison Officer for Richmond.
  • Police Constable Robin Claydon for outstanding professionalism and bravery.
  • Police Constables Gemma Holcroft and Andrew Richardson for dedication and professionalism in their duty to save life in a hostile environment.
  • Mr Dean O'Brien for bravery and community spirit when selflessly assisting a victim of a robbery and attempting to detain the suspect.
  • Police Constable Richard Litherland and another PC for professionalism and dedication in performing lifesaving CPR to a young female.
  • Mr Peter Makriel and John Cooper for dedication, tenacity and co-operation in reducing thefts of mopeds and moped enabled crime.
  • Detective Constables Craig Mulgrew, Rajinda Chana and Detective Sergeant Julie Harding for outstanding team work leading to the conviction of two robbery suspects.
  • Police Constable Robin Claydon for reducing ASB, engaging with vulnerable young people and multi-agency working during the Hampton Summer Project 2016/2017.
  • Police Constable Michael Lewis for outstanding work when dealing with vulnerable young people and those most at risk from CSE and crime.
  • Police Constables Scott Lewis, Joanne Carter and PCSO Guinnie Mooneesawmy for dedication and professionalism when dealing with an elderly male.
  • PCSO Christopher Walden for an outstanding performance making Twickenham the best performing unit within the MPS for delivering MET TRACE.
  • Police Constable Joanne Carter, PCSO Guinnie Mooneesawmy, Mr Taju Abdulai and Alan Petersen for outstanding dedication and professionalism to apprehend two suspects committing fraud.
  • Mr Taju Abdulai and Alan Petersen for outstanding dedication and professionalism to apprehend a suspect committing fraud.
  • Police Constables Nadine Watkins and Nicole Morgan Russell for special recognition of Community support to aid victims of Domestic Violence.
  • Police Constable David Jones for professionalism whilst dealing with an armed female.
  • Margaret Warden, Carole Atkinson, John Murray, Wendy Kyle-Pope and Bunny Farnell-Watson for outstanding and consistent contribution to Community engagement and crime prevention through Neighbourhood watch.
  • Detective Sergeant Mary Coller, David Preston and Paul Tilney for outstanding Bravery, professionalism and dedication.
  • Sandra Hendry and Police Constable Cheryl Smith for an outstanding performance in making a difference to young people on Richmond and Kingston Borough.
  • Police Constables Leah Arbuckle, Tobin Joint, PCSO's Fabrizia McKenna and Jim Harrison for gaining trust of a vulnerable homeless person and with outstanding partnership working, managed to rehouse the vulnerable person in time for winter.
  • Julia Metcalfe, Eve Marron, a Detective Constable, Detective Sergeants Glenn Wright and Julie Harding for an outstanding performance in a High Risk Domestic Abuse case.
  • PCSO Eugenia Venour for outstanding professionalism, dedication and attitude in the role of Community Policing.
  • PCSO Bill Smith for an outstanding performance in reducing Burglary offences within Whitton.
  • Police Constable John McGann for outstanding partnership work as the Licencing Officer in Richmond Borough
  • Police Constables Phil Savill and Jo-Ann Hood for displaying outstanding resolve, diligence and professionalism whilst investigating a neighbour dispute.
  • Police Constable John McGann for outstanding partnership work as the Licencing Officer in Richmond Borough
  • Police Constables Phil Savill and Jo-Ann Hood for displaying outstanding resolve, diligence and professionalism whilst investigating a neighbour dispute.
  • Police Constables Chris Simpson and Steve Pitcher for an outstanding problem solving approach to resolve Anti-Social Behaviour and support vulnerable street drinkers.
  • Safer Neighbourhood Board Special Award: Police Constables Phil Savill and Jo-Ann Hood for exceptional work for safety in our communities.