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Police officers, staff and volunteers working in South Devon were recognised for outstanding achievement as they gathered at an awards ceremony in Torquay.

Joined by family, friends and colleagues, recipients from various departments were recognised by senior leaders for going above and beyond in their duties.

More than 50 fantastic award winners received commendations for various impressive examples of great bravery in dealing with scenarios such as dangerous situations and lifesaving first aid.

There were also examples of colleagues who were commended for showing ingenuity, such as acting on their own initiative to save thousands of hours of police time by implementing a new way of working or finding new ways to help in crime prevention tactics.

South Devon Police Commander Chief Superintendent Roy Linden said: “It was a privilege to thank officers, staff and police volunteers for acting above and beyond to protect the public. From saving lives to delivering complex crime investigations, the awards were given to a range of people who come to work every day to serve others.”

Some of those receiving awards are mentioned here:

Sergeant Adam Pearcey-Saunders is commended for his passion and dedication to improving the force response to modern slavery and human trafficking. In addition to training staff, the officer’s leadership, enthusiasm and proactive approach to this complex crime type was recognised nationally as best practice at ministerial level and has been adopted by other forces.

Sergeant Neil Powers and Police Constable Matthew Edworthy have been praised for using their first aid training and saving a man’s life while they were carrying out foot patrol in Torquay Town centre. The pair became concerned for the welfare of a man inside a café and realised he was unresponsive. The officers started CPR, an ambulance called and a defibrillator was located. After around 15 minutes of CPR, paramedics arrived, and the male began to breathe on his own. Paramedics said that had it not been for the fast actions of officers the man may not have survived.

Totnes Neighbourhood Police Team, along with tutor officers and their students, demonstrated outstanding professionalism, teamwork, and commitment during a rural arrest operation. What began as a fail to appear warrant arrest led to the discovery of Class A drugs, weapons, stolen property, and multiple arrests. Officers went above and beyond by returning to duty on rest days, working into the early hours, and securing vital evidence that led to four serious charges and a remand into custody. Their diligence removed dangerous drugs and weapons from the community, showcasing exemplary dedication to public safety and justice. Colleagues are immensely proud of their achievement.

The Kingsbridge Neighbourhood Police Team have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, resilience, and commitment in managing a complex and high-risk youth offender. Their tireless efforts - balancing safeguarding, enforcement, and partnership work—have brought meaningful and lasting reassurance to their community. The team’s determination meant that persistent offending was robustly addressed, culminating in a Youth Detention and Training Order. The team’s visible presence and consistent engagement have strengthened public confidence during a period of heightened concern. This work exemplifies the pride they take in serving their community and stands as a powerful example of neighbourhood policing at its very best.

A team award was presented for an exceptional investigation into a highly complex case of organised shoplifting spanning multiple counties. The team identified two suspects linked to 23 confirmed offences valued at more than £22,000.

Identification Officer Zoe Wellicome and PC Charlotte Mathers were part of the dedicated team who committed extensive hours reviewing CCTV and delivering vital investigative actions for the case. Their collective professionalism resulted in strong praise from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), reflecting outstanding teamwork beyond expectations.

Sergeant Abigail Bratcher and Police Constable Robbie Mangham from the Teignmouth neighbourhood team have received praise after supporting their colleagues throughout a particularly challenging shift with several competing significant incidents occurring. The pair were managing the scene of a vehicle collision when a further report was received involving a man with a knife. The pair risk assessed the incidents to ensure both had appropriate police attention. They moved towards the man who was making threats with a knife inside a petrol station shop. After a brief foot chase and challenge with a Taser they successfully detained and searched the man and seized the knife. The man was arrested with no harm caused to the public, the police officers or the suspect himself.

Detective Constable Joanne Sargent is recognised for the investigation of a high-risk stalking case. The perpetrator subjected the complainant to eighteen months of stalking including numerous deliberate and blatant breaches of a stalking protection order. DC Sargent secured the key evidence for multiple, distressing incidents. The quality of the investigation and evidence secured charges and a remand in custody for the offender. DC Sargent delivered quality safeguarding and support to the terrified complainant and restored public confidence in a small community where the perpetrator was known. The offender was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment and given a restraining order for six years.

Detective Constable Leanne Gould was the officer in charge of the case when a 46 month custodial sentence for Grievous Bodily Harm was handed down to a high-risk domestic offender who was subject to a five-day nationwide man hunt. Despite having serious injuries, the victim managed to escape the offender’s vehicle and alert police. DC Gould co-ordinated the complex enquiries with various other police forces, Probation Service, rail services and others to trace the offender and bring him to justice. DC Gould is recognised for demonstrating compassion and competence in her management of the complex case, victim care and liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Volunteers, Acting Special Sergeant Mike Fleming and Special Constables David Bowker and Christopher Burton put their own lives in danger to help a man who was walking in the dark along a dual carriageway.

The brave trio give their time to support the community and are praised for how they dealt with the incident at the end of a weekend shift at 3am. They managed to find the man, who was heavily intoxicated and resisted the officers when they tried to get him to safety. They arrested the man for his own safety and used proportionate force to remove him from danger. There was a significant risk of harm to all involved but the Specials demonstrated compassion and understanding, liaised with mental health services and took the man to a place of safety. Their brave actions prevented a more serious and potentially fatal incident from taking place.

Well done to all those commended at the latest awards ceremony.   

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Pic caption: Commander Roy Linden (left) with Sgt Adam Pearcey-Saunders, Det Supt Hayley Costar (left) with Det Con Leanne Gould and third pic shows Special Supt Alex McKnight with Special Constable Christopher Burton