Wiltshire Police officers and staff, alongside members of the public, have been recognised for their bravery, courage and dedication at the latest Wiltshire Police Force Awards ceremony.

The High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Martin Nye, joined the Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, and Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper at the event, which took place at Police Headquarters in Devizes on Thursday 21 January.

Officers, staff and members of the public were invited to attend the ceremony alongside their guests to celebrate careers and contributions that have demonstrated outstanding quality.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said: “It is a true honour to celebrate the officers, staff, and members of the public whose exceptional contributions continue to strengthen and protect our communities.

“Each ceremony reminds me how privileged I am to hear the remarkable stories of dedication, courage, and commitment shown by those who serve Wiltshire Police, as well as the selfless individuals who step forward in moments of need to help others.

“We must also acknowledge the families and friends whose encouragement, resilience, and unwavering support make these achievements possible. Their presence and strength form the foundation on which so many of these successes are built.”

The following awards were presented throughout the afternoon:

• Chief Constable’s Commendation
• Outstanding Teamwork Award
• Chief Constable’s Certificate of Excellence
• Lifetime Achievement
• Chief Constable’s Certificates of Recognition of the Public

John Eskdale attended the event as a guest of Honour. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award and served as a Special Constable for 23 years. John joined the Force in 1957, rising to the rank of Inspector before retiring in 1980. He worked in the Melksham, Trowbridge and Bradford-on-Avon areas. He fought for his Specials to be properly equipped, including securing authority for them to be issued handcuffs when on duty. He was also instrumental in ensuring trousers were issued to female officers, rather than them being forced to wear skirts.

John worked an incredible number of hours, frequently working part-way through night shifts despite working during the day. Even then, he would take a radio home and respond from his bed if an officer required assistance.

At the height of the Cold War, John’s responsibilities included having a phone link into the national nuclear warning system. In the event of an attack, he would have sounded one of the many alarms to warn the public to take cover.

DS Alex Spargo was awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for her work with the Regional Organised Crime Unit on 21 February, where she was involved in a drug supply investigation. She worked until 1am to achieve a charge and remand for an offender, before returning to work just hours later to attend court. Later that evening, while off duty, she was in a local shop when she witnessed a man shoplifting. When challenged, he bit her on the hand several times and sprayed her in the face with an aerosol can. The suspect was later charged with four counts of theft.

PCSO Roland Revers, based at Warminster Police Station as part of our Neighbourhood Policing Team, was awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his incredible actions during a severe mental health crisis in January 2025. When a man in distress was located on a railway bridge, PCSO Revers spoke with calmness, compassion, and empathy—building trust and guiding him back to safety. His actions that day undoubtedly saved a life.

PCSOs Emma Coleman, Abbie Sims, and Kuy Harrison were also awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for their response on October 10, 2024. They responded promptly to a man acting suspiciously at Chatsworth House, Old Town, Swindon. The male had made threats towards staff at that location and was acting in an agitated manner.

All three PCSOs located the male and then utilised excellent communication skills to keep him occupied until Police Officers arrived at scene to arrest him. On being searched the man was found in possession of a large kitchen knife and two litres of white spirit. Their swift action prevented any harm being caused.

Officers including PC Max Smith, PC James Godwin and PC Kieran Jackson were awarded a Gold Outstanding Teamwork Award for their response on 2 July 2025. This award recognises the exceptional teamwork displayed during the immediate stages of Operation Torino, an investigation into the death of a man in Swindon.

The officers were presented with a traumatic scene and could not be sure whether a violent offender armed with a knife was still at the location, or whether there were further victims yet to be discovered. They demonstrated courage in challenging circumstances and upheld the highest possible standards in their attempts to save the life of the victim, protect the public, and help bring the offender to justice.

Sadly, the victim, Fatih Zengi, 27, did not survive his injuries. Last week, Erdogan Erdogan, 32, of Manchester Road, Swindon, was found guilty of his manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.

A dog handler was awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for her response with PD Xena to reports of a man armed with a knife in Malmesbury on 2 August 2025. She quickly detained the suspect and kept members of the public safe. This case is still active, and the suspect is due to stand trial next week (02/02).

Two members of the public including Matthew Lomas were awarded the Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public for their actions that day in Malmesbury. The pair were recognised for bravely running towards the sounds of screaming to offer assistance, then warning other members of the public and minimising the risk to them.

Brooke Pemberton, Jude Deaman, and Colin Rodens were awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for their actions on 28 August 2025, when a woman was suffering from a severe mental health crisis. The three members of public stopped their vehicles to assist and helped her to safety. There is no doubt she would have fallen had it not been for the swift and courageous intervention of the members of the public.

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson also recognised outstanding public service and community commitment through three awards.

The first Excellence in Service Award was presented to Paul Sunners in recognition of his transformative leadership of Neighbourhood Watch.

Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) received the Volunteer of the Year Award, marking 25 years of exceptional service delivered entirely by volunteers.

The Special Constable of the Year Award was presented to Special Constable Nick Tremblin, celebrating his extraordinary dedication since joining the service in 2022.

Speaking after the ceremony, Philip Wilkinson said: “What we have recognised today reflects the strength and commitment that exists across Wiltshire.

“Paul, the WILSAR team and Nick each demonstrate the value of partnership, professionalism and public service. Their contributions make a real and practical difference to the safety and confidence of our communities, and it is important that we acknowledge the impact of that work.

“I am grateful for everything they do to support policing and the people of Wiltshire.”

You can read more about these awards here: PCC recognises outstanding contributions to community safety at Wiltshire Police Force Awards Ceremony

Image provided by Wiltshire Police