‘It feels like the job I was meant to do’

27 November 2024

Helen James was successful at the Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards 2024, picking up the Emergency Services Award for her work as a police constable across the Harrogate district.

The ceremony is hosted annually by local radio station 'Your Harrogate' in a celebration of inspirational people who make a difference within the town.

Helen has served in her current role at North Yorkshire Police for over a decade, having previously worked at the Port of Liverpool Police for four years.

Helen James was successful at the Your Harrogate Local Hero Awards 2024.

The award, clinched by Helen thanks to the choice of a panel including local business owners and figures at the radio station, follows her win as North Yorkshire Police’s Response Officer of the Year back in May.

The 41-year-old shared her delight at the acknowledgement that has come her way in 2024: “It’s really humbling, to be honest.

“To be recognised both among my colleagues and from the community I serve is quite something, and it really means a lot to know so many people appreciate me.

“The nomination for the Local Hero Awards took me by surprise – never mind winning altogether.

Ceremony

“I was more than happy to be there at the ceremony, hearing other people’s incredible stories. To then win in my category was a huge honour which really touched me.”

Helen’s policing efforts in Harrogate have come in for praise after her many achievements and commendable actions over the past 12 months.

Earlier this year, she was responsible for locating a vulnerable person on a country road and potentially saving his life. Searching across a two-kilometre radius, Helen found a man semi-conscious in his car, having taken multiple pills in an attempt to take his own life.

The man, who had expressed his suicidal intention to a family member, then received medical attention and made a full recovery from any damage caused to his body.

Additionally, PC Helen received a letter of gratitude in September for the care she afforded a woman who had been a victim of domestic abuse from her partner.

After Helen had been on hand to discuss a home disturbance with her, the woman felt safe and trusted enough to disclose further incidents to North Yorkshire Police, which then led to her removal from the high-risk environment.

Mentoring

Numerous young officers early into their police service have also benefitted from Helen’s warm approach, gaining emotional support and professional mentoring in an unofficial capacity from their experienced colleague.

Beyond specific events, she has been applauded for her general demeanour and work ethic while performing her role, being described by those around her as ‘tenacious’ and ‘thorough’.

She added: “I think I get my drive from simply dealing with people exactly how I would expect to be dealt with.

“I believe it’s important to the very purpose of a police officer to go the extra mile. The workload is extremely demanding, and it can sometimes feel like there aren’t enough officers to go around – of course, there is some truth to this which needs to change, but in the meantime, people still need us, and they expect a good service.

“With that said, I very much enjoy being a response officer, and it truly feels like the job I was meant to do.

“It’s not often you get that thanks for what you do, so when it comes around, especially from the outside, it makes your sense of purpose even more solidified.”