Vicky honoured in national Response Officer of the Year awards

30 June 2023

West Mercia Police Federation has congratulated PC Vicky Hallett after she was named the Force’s Response Officer of the Year and a runner-up in the national award.

Over the past year, Vicky has dealt with more critical incidents than some officers face in their careers.

She has been described as “courageous, tenacious and public focussed” as well as a “consummate professional and a great ambassador for West Mercia Police”.

Vicky, who was presented with a certificate by Acting Chief Constable Alex Murray and Cumbria DCC Rob Carden, has spent four years at Evesham but has recently passed her sergeants’ exam and now leads a team at Worcester.

She said: “I am very proud to have been selected for this award and it came as a complete surprise. While it’s nice to be recognised in this way, I’m part of a fantastic team and we all work together to achieve the same goals. Everyone chips in and supports each other.”

Vicky has been faced with a number of serious incidents in recent times, including being the first officer at the scene of a large gas explosion with multiple casualties.

She has also been involved in recovering three casualties from the River Avon and has had to perform CPR on no less than eight occasions. Her efforts have helped to save lives, including that of a man seriously injured in a road traffic collision.

Vicky is pictured with A/Chief Constable Alex Murray (left) and Cumbria DCC Rob Carden.

Vicky has earned plaudits from the people she has helped and one victim of burglary took the time to write to her about his positive experience.

“Our role is to respond to incidents, engage with the public and build public confidence in the police,” said Vicky. 

“It’s a demanding job, both physically and mentally, and you have to deal with some traumatic events but the good days make the bad days worthwhile.

 “I’ve always wanted to be a police officer. I like going into the unknown and challenging myself to be out of my comfort zone. Every day is different.”

West Mercia Police Federation chair Barry Horton said: “We are all extremely proud of Vicky. 

“Her commitment and dedication to duty is extraordinary and she is fully deserving of this honour.

“She really is a credit to the Force, her team, her family and herself.”