A group of exceptional Surrey Police officers who consistently go above and beyond were honoured at Surrey Police Federation’s second annual Recognition Awards, on Thursday 12 December 2024.

Surrey Police Federation Chair Darren Pemble praised the award-winners for their incredible work, including supporting colleagues, looking after victims, and making communities safer.

The Team of the Year Award went to Surrey Police’s Vanguard Road Safety Team, which was launched in 2022 with the mission of reducing road deaths and serious injury collisions. It has produced excellent results, including halving the number of fatal collisions in Surrey due to drink/drug driving over the Christmas period.

The small team consists of: Sgt Dan Pascoe, Sgt Trevor Hughes, PC Sam Talbut-Smith, PC Cameron Irving, PC Richard Sadler, PC Paul Church, PC Dave Curran, PC Steve Elkin, PC Gary Glue and PC Steve Bishop (who has recently retired). They are supported by police staff member, researcher Chris Ward.

The Federation’s Equality and Wellbeing Lead, PC Elena Boafo, won the Services To Women Award. Elena has been described as “a trailblazer” in the arena of gender equality in policing. She is dedicated to challenging discrimination within Surrey Police and has shaped and moulded her role into a powerful force for change.

A colleague said: “By fearlessly confronting discrimination, Elena has set a precedent that such behaviour will not be tolerated, creating a safer and more equitable workplace for everyone.”

The Special Constable Award was given to Acting Special Inspector Sophie Yeates, who was described as “exceptionally dedicated and committed” to her role.

A senior colleague said: “Sophie’s commitment to victim care and community support has been exemplary. Whether responding to emergencies or engaging in proactive community outreach, she has shown unwavering empathy and professionalism, making a significant difference in the lives of those she has helped.”

Winning the Operational & Specialist Command Award was PC Adam Coombs, who works in Surrey Police’s Professional Standards Department (PSD) and supports officers during some of the most stressful moments of their career.

PC Coombs commented: “I get a lot of satisfaction from helping officers and staff when they’re under investigation, and trying to swiftly progress it to a conclusion. I always try to help reintegrate people back into the organisation as quickly as possible after they’ve been through a stressful and traumatic process.”

Sgt Gary Stephen, who is both Vice Chair and Custody Lead for the Federation, won the Federation Representative Award. He was described by his colleagues as a Rep who was dedicated to helping officers and always willing to take on additional responsibilities.

A colleague said: “Gary’s selflessness is a hallmark for his service. He is invariably among the first to volunteer for tasks and offers timely and well-informed advice to those in need. His proactive approach ensures that his colleagues feel supported, no matter the challenges they face.”

The Western Officer Award went to Insp Kayleigh Naismith, a Neighbourhood Policing Team Duty Officer who was described as “excellent role model”. She manages a large number of officers and leads by example, delivering an exceptionally high standard in both victim-led approaches and evidential work.

A senior colleague said that Insp Naismith’s reports take pride in their work and are committed to policing, because they have learned from the way their line manager approaches her role. They added that she did her job “with a smile, a genuine care for the officers and a professional approach throughout”.

The winner of the Northern Officer Award was PC Ashley Ford, who has continued to work tirelessly to support her team throughout her diagnosis and treatment for cancer. PC Ford was diagnosed with a rare type of neuroendocrine cancer last year, but is determined to keep working, whether that means obtaining witness statements, updating victims, completing case files or conducting voluntary attendance interviews.

PC Ford said: “I love being with my team, it’s like being part of a second family. We keep each other going, we keep each other positive, we’re very close. We’re always checking in on each other.”

DC Gemma Taylor, a Child Protection Officer who was praised for her exemplary victim care, won the Eastern Officer Award. A senior colleague said she was “a thorough investigator who provides amazing victim care and attention to detail”.

Following a recent case, the parent of a victim wrote to the force to thank DC Taylor for her hard work and support, saying: “DC Taylor has delivered in every regard without exception.”

And PC Sean O’Reilly, a police trainer with “an unwavering passion and commitment” for his job, won the Contribution to Policing Award.

PC O’Reilly’s line manager said: “Sean always inspires his classes of new recruits. I consistently receive messages from colleagues saying how he has gone above and beyond to provide recruits with the best learning and welfare experiences. He has an unwavering passion and commitment for the job.”

The lead sponsor for the Surrey Recognition Awards 2024 was Axon. Also sponsoring were Uniform Mortgages, Serve & Protect Credit Union, Flint House, Police Mortgages, No1 Copperpot Credit Union, Niche, No5 Chambers, Accord, Douglas Rowe Financial, Police Mutual, National Police Healthcare Scheme, the Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner, and Metfriendly.