Annual Essex Police Force Awards are handed out

The presentation at the Essex Police Awards. Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)

More than 270 people came together to hear stories of bravery, dedication and professionalism and to celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams over the past 12 months at the ceremony at Braxted Park, near Witham.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh gave awards and certificates to shortlisted and winning candidates.

A total of 16 awards were presented throughout the course of the night, including: The Dedication to Reducing Crime Award (The Anthony Peel Trophy), High Flyer Award (Sir Jonathan Peel Trophy), Promoting Equality and Diversity Award, Innovation of the Year Award, Student Officer of the Year, Volunteer Police Cadet of the Year, PCSO of the Year, Making a Different Award (The Millard Trophy), Public and Partnership Award (The George Cook Trophy), Outstanding Act of the Year (The Wilson Trophy), Special Constable of the Year, Supporting Vulnerable People Award, Police Staff Member of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, Outstanding Commitment to Essex Police (The Liam Brigginshaw Award) and Team of the Year.

Longstanding legacies of former officers were also honoured at the awards with the attendance of Julia Peel, Richard Peel and George Cook.

Julia, the widow of former chairman of the Essex Police Authority Anthony Peel, presented the award named in her husband’s honour to an officer for his outstanding work in the field of cybercrime investigations.

Richard Peel, grandson of former Essex Chief Constable Sir Jonathan Peel, awarded the High Flyer Award to an Inspector with the highest scores on the Inspector Boards force-wide.

Former Chief Officer of Essex Police’s Special Constabulary, George Cook, who served as a Special for 41 years, was in attendance to award a community speedwatch co-ordinator for her dedication to reducing casualties throughout the county.

The Essex Police Awards are held annually and will return in 2019.