Police Awards Given For Commendable Actions in Guildford Borough

Published on: 25 Mar, 2013
Updated on: 8 Aug, 2014

Commended by the Chief Constable Lynne Owens (right): DC Russell Cannon and Leanne Kinchin.

Awards have been given to police officers and staff and members of the public in connection with incidents that took place in Guildford borough.

Recipients from across the county were honoured for their excellent victim care, bravery, professionalism, outstanding service and tenacity at an awards ceremony at Surrey Police’s Mount Browne headquarters, hosted by the Chief Constable Lynne Owens.

Receiving the Chief Constable’s Commendation awards were:

DC Russ Cannon, Investigating Officers Leanne Kinchin and Stacey Wallis and Lyn Stone, for their tireless dedication and victim care for a wine bar doorman in Guildford who was left with life-changing facial injuries after a glass was smashed in his face in an unprovoked attack. The attacker was later sentenced to nine years imprisonment for grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent.

Ten officers involved in an armed siege in Great Bookham last year were commended for their courageous actions in safely resolving a highly charged situation. A man had barricaded his ex-girlfriend, a teenage girl and a baby with him in a flat and made numerous threats to harm them over several hours. He set fire to curtains, put a gas canister in the microwave and was seen to knock the woman unconscious before putting a knife to her throat.
Awards went to:
· PC Chris Paterson, bronze ARV who took command on the ground.
· PC Andy Crabb, who forced entry to the property and who was actually on annual leave when he got the call.
· PC Simon Collins, who also forced entry.
· PC Andy Murphy, who also helped to force entry.
· PC Bob Wheatley, the tactical advisor who worked with the silver commander to develop an excellent tactical plan.
· Sgt Karen Coyne, who negotiated with the offender for over five hours, buying time for the tactical plan to be developed.
· PC Jay Austin, who was the first into the premises.
· PC Rob Bracewell and Sgt Bob Darkens, who tasered the offender.
· DCS Helen Collins, gold commander of the incident.
PC Kevin Lawrance who was first on the scene when a high risk missing person was found in a ditch in woodland. The man had self-harmed and was bleeding heavily. PC Lawrance quickly administered first aid – which required physically holding the severe wounds closed and paramedics praised his calm and compassionate manner and his first aid skills which undoubtedly saved the man’s life.

Investigating Officer Jo Murray for her outstanding professionalism and exceptional victim care who was particularly commended for her work on a case involving sexual offences committed against juvenile victims. Throughout the investigation she showed exemplary dedication and professionalism, supporting the victims during the trial process which enabled them to give the best evidence possible.

DI Simon Dann for his professionalism, determination and relentless pursuit throughout a complex investigation which led to the discovery of 27 cannabis factories with a street value of £1.4 million. Three people were charged for their involvement with two receiving eight year sentences and the third, a four year sentence.

Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medals were also awarded to: D/Supt John Boshier, Insp Paul Grove, Sgt Mark Bridge, Sgt Tessa Lawn, Sgt Dave Vale, PC Simon Collins and PC Paul May. The Ben Sutton Award was awarded to PC Will Davies.

Christopher Lawrence – commended for tackling an armed man.

The Chief Constable’s High Commendation was given to a member of the public, Christopher Lawrence for his courageous actions and quick thinking that saved others from being attacked. Mr Lawrence was out walking his dog in Guildford when approached by a cyclist with a gun who demanded his phone.

Mr Lawrence tackled the man to disarm him and was subsequently subjected to a vicious attack of brutality. Despite the attack he managed to fight off his attacker, and retrieve the gun before neighbours alerted the police.

The Chief Constable’s Commendation was also given to another member of the public, Julie Homewood, an IT trainer unaccustomed to dealing with traumatic incidents. Mrs Homewood was at the scene of a crash on the A3 involving a motorcyclist where she gave first aid until the ambulance arrived. The man was bleeding heavily, had numerous compound fractures and complaining of back pain. Mrs Homewood remained at the scene for almost two hours, assisting wherever she could.

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