Police officers, staff and a member of the public have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to keeping people safe at a ceremony yesterday (7 May).
At a ceremony held at the Roundthorn Hotel in Penrith, Chief Constable Darren Martland presented commendations in recognition of outstanding contributions to policing the county.
Those recognised included:
Police officers who put themselves in harm's way to help get people to safe during a major fire in December 2024 have been commended by the Chief Constable.
The officers attended a report of a fire - later declared a major incident - in Kirkby Lonsdale on 8 December 2024.
The officers commended included:
PC Piers Scarisbrick
PC Nathan Sprot
PC Rick Harvey
PC Emily Eccleston
PS Martin Mould
The officers arrived to find a significant fire blazing at a block of flats in Main Street, with significant risk of the fire spreading.
All of the officers immediately set about evacuating the buildings, battling through thick smoke alongside Cumbria Fire and Rescue colleagues.
Gas cannisters exploded around the officers as they worked but they forced their way into properties using whatever means they had - including their police batons.
One person died in the fire but unquestionably, the actions of the officers contribute significantly to preventing further casualties.
Inspector Sara Seath of Cumbria Police said: "The officers demonstrated exemplary conduct in risking their own well-being to get people to safety - all whilst the buildings around them were at significant risk of collapse.
"A number of officers suffered from smoke inhalation as a result of their work that day.
"Their efforts were exceptionally courageous, with the officers putting the safety of the public before their own, and I am pleased to see their actions commended."
Officers and a member of the public who came to the aid of a man suffering a critical medical emergency have been commended by the Chief Constable.
Those commended included:
PC Andrew Blaney
PC Sam Boyd
Clive Benson
On 11 July 2025, police received a dropped 999 call to an address in St Bees.
Officers attended where they found Clive Benson - a neighbour - conducting CPR.
PC Boyd was first to attend and assisted whilst providing effective comms to allow other officers to attend swiftly.
PCs Blaney and Lewis arrived five minutes later and took over CPR, as well as deploying the defibrillator.
The officers took turns on the CPR and defibrillator and continued their work beyond the arrival of NWAS colleagues.
Their efforts eventually resulted in a pulse coming back and the patient began breathing again.
He was taken by ambulance and subsequently made a full recovery.
The officers and Mr Benson were nominated for a Chief Constable's commendation by Inspector Alex Johnson.
He said: "The officers and Mr Benson undoubtedly saved a life that day through their quick-thinking and teamwork whilst under the greatest pressure.
"They all should remarkable skill in a tense and stressful situation in an ultimately successful attempt to save a man's life."
Detectives who worked on a complex domestic abuse investigation which resulted in a woman being jailed for 18 years, have been commended by the Chief Constable.
A 53-year-old woman from Carlisle, was convicted of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after attacking with a knife her partner whilst he slept and a child.
The officers commended were:
DC Louise Telford
DS Sarah Story
DC Gabrielle Nicholson
DC Kathryn Chestney
DI Matt Belshaw
The investigation was complicated from the outset by an initial "DARVO" report - Deny, Attack and Reverse Victim and Offender - after the offender made an initial report stating she had been attacked and coaching the child to mislead police.
However, a thorough and professional investigation unravelled exactly what had occurred, proving that the offender had stabbed her partner whilst he slept before stabbing a young child, before inflicting injuries on herself.
The officers were put forward for the commendation by Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin.
He said: "The team of detectives worked tirelessly and with empathy and professionalism, in order to secure a significant sentence of imprisonment against the offender.
"This included working sensitively with the young child victim and working with CPS colleagues to ensure the evidence put forward was robust, resulting in a conviction being secured."
As well as those receiving commendations, other officers and staff were also recognised for their long service.
Chief Constable Darren Martland said: "We are fortunate to have officers and staff who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty in order to keep people safe and ensure dangerous offenders are brought to justice.
"I am extremely proud of our officers and staff and welcome the opportunity to recognise their efforts and celebrate outstanding achievements.
"I'd also like to thank those officers and staff who have served the Constabulary and the community with distinction and were recognised as such as part of the Long Service awards."
Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: "It is important that we celebrate our Police Officers and Staff and their amazing accomplishments and endeavours. They and their work is valued and very much appreciated.
"Blue Light Services are the first to put themselves in harm's way to keep the public safe. This has been proven to be so many, many times, and will, I suspect be so going forward. I understand the commitment and risks they face and want to thank every one of our Officers for their bravery, courage and selflessness.
"Our Police Staff are also invaluable. They are the vital, key partners and enablers in a shared endeavour, they are the engine room that keeps the front line blue light services running – without the work you do, the Constabulary would not run as effectively as it does, or at all in some instances.
"Well done to everyone being recognised at the awards ceremony – it is truly deserved and I look forward to seeing you all continue to do what you do so well - going above and beyond in service to the people of Cumbria."
Then select "Add to Home Screen"
