Unsung heroes and life savers honoured at police awards

The force's annual commendation awards were attended by around 100 people, who heard tales of fearlessness and determination in the face of frightening danger.

Among those honoured were George Turner, John Devin and Timothy Williams, who rescued Pc Vicky Andrews from a brutal attack in Stafford town centre in which she was stamped on and throttled.

Speaking at the event, Chief Superintendent Martin Evans said: "We've had a real cross section of people this year, from serving constables to off-duty constables to members of the public.

"Some of the people here have saved lives. People have done some great work. Everyone who has received a certificate is thoroughly deserving. It's a real pleasure for me to be able to recognise these people."

Special sergeant Sam Clark received recognition for his helping officers detain three offenders carrying knives and reported to be threatening to stab a teacher at Great Wyrley High School this February.

He was off-duty but working at the school, and he rang through to the police control room to communicate the circumstances.

He followed the suspects keeping the attending officers up to date with their whereabouts and behaviour.

Others recognised included Pc Sean Roberts, who in February this year at Cost Cutters in Wombourne, became aware of a violent struggle taking place behind him and noticed that a member of the shop staff had been assaulted by an intoxicated and aggressive man.

The off-duty officer pursued the man and gave a running commentary to 999 of what was happening.

He didn't know if the man had a weapon, but carried on his pursuit, and when he saw the man clench his fist, Pc Roberts pounced to take him down.

Both of them landed in a muddy puddle and Pc Roberts put the man's arm behind his back telling him to stop struggling. A short time later officers joined PC Roberts and the offender was arrested.

Another officer who was commended was Pc Tom Cordall, who gave CPR to a crash victim on the A38 near Swinfen, Lichfield in October last year.

After arriving at the scene before the other emergency services, Pc Cordall could see that the pedestrian was in his post collision resting position and that three men were present with him. He knew that the pedestrian had been there for up to ten minutes, but despite that, he instructed two other men to help him with CPR.

He quickly decided to attempt CPR on a person with clear traumatic injury and continued to carry out CPR for in excess of 15 minutes.

Sadly, the pedestrian could not be saved and despite his best efforts, and a verdict of suicide was delivered after inquest.

PCSO Simon Redfern was commended for helping rumble a gang of four men for possession of Class A and B drugs at V Festival last year.

It transpired that all four men, who were acting suspiciously around a car which had expensive items inside, were prolific offenders from the North West region for serious acquisitive crime, violence and weapons.

The following day PCSO Redfern helped officers detain two of the men when they returned to the festival the following day.

Sergeant Jason Dorrington was recognised for organising the police response to Himley Bonfire for the last three years. He has worked hard with partners and made a significant contribution to improving the safety of the event whilst reducing levels of crime and anti–social behaviour.

And PC Justin Hales was honoured for his work as hospital liaison officer at St George's Hospital, Stafford, where he has provides specialist support and guidance to assist with managing cases of absconding, missing patients, and provided investigative support where incidents of criminal activity had occurred.