Greater Manchester Police Federation has congratulated the brave, dedicated and inspirational officers who were recognised at this year’s Chief Constable’s Awards.

 

The annual awards ceremony, held on 4 November at Manchester’s Hilton Hotel, celebrated the achievements of some of Greater Manchester Police’s finest officers and staff.

 

Greater Manchester Police Federation Vice Chair Mike Peake said: “Frustratingly, policing often attracts unfair bad press, yet this awards ceremony evidenced the real quality and dedication displayed by officers and staff in GMP, who every day put the public at the forefront of everything they do. 

“The ceremony was a proud moment for the individual officers, GMP and policing in general. Congratulations to all the award winners and nominees.”

 

The Federation sponsored the Bravery Award, which went to PC Paul S. Paul was off-duty with no PPE or police radio when he disarmed and detained an intoxicated man wielding a machete. 

Paul said: “Without thinking about body armour or what units were close by, I just did what any other GMP officer would do in that situation. I think from the training and supervision I have been given within this force, I was well equipped to deal with any situation that comes my way.”

 

The overall winner on the night was the Tactical Vehicle Interceptor Unit, which also won the Teamwork Award. Inspector Danny Kabal from the unit said: “My staff work tirelessly day in, day out and put themselves at huge risk every day.  Managing and preventing police pursuits to catch some of the region’s most dangerous and determined offenders is one of the most dangerous and risk-laden roles within the police.”

 

Police Officer of the Year Award went to Chris Julian, who said: "I have been extremely fortunate to work both for and alongside some fantastic people. I have learnt an awful lot from many of those colleagues, who have helped me develop into the officer I am today.”

Rochdale’s Neighbourhood Multi-Agency Prevention and Solutions Team won the Problem Solving Award. Chief Inspector Danny Atherton said: “We started from scratch around problem-solving and pulled the team together as a pilot. We’ve made a huge impact in Rochdale with young people and key callers. I’m really proud of the whole team and they thoroughly deserve this award.”

 

The Innovation Award went to Gary Pilkington, and PC Lucy Bamber won Criminal Investigation of the Year Award.

Operation of the Year went to Operation Valiant. Team member Inspector Geoff Machent said: “Our success is based on the people within our team and I’m proud to work with them every single day – keeping people safe and protecting our communities.”

Andrew Bigland was named PCSO of the Year, Jade Rosevere won Apprentice of the Year and the Student Officer of the Year was PC Emily Wells.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: "Everyone here is a winner, you are fantastic, I and my colleagues are so proud of you and GMP right now. Look after the public, look after each other, and look after yourselves."