Police and community heroes recognised for their bravery

Some of the award winners (picture by Jamie Beck).

More than 65 police officers and members of the public were honoured in the 2016 Wakefield Police Awards, held in South Kirkby earlier this month.

Chief Superintendent Mabs Hussain, District Commander of Wakefield Police, said: “Presenting the policing awards is a highlight and privilege for any police commander as it gives us all chance to take stock and recognise the dedication of those who go above and beyond the call of duty.

“I am pleased to say that, as these awards demonstrate, officers and police staff frequently go even further and seek to achieve standards of excellence and service which truly stand apart.”

Among the winners of the 29 awards were officers from the district’s Child Exploitation and Safeguarding Teams, who carried out a major operation to prosecute a sexual exploitation network operating across Wakefield and Kirklees.

Three men were given combined sentences of more than 26 years in January for sexual offences and indecent images offences involving children, following the investigation.

Retired Inspector Geoff Carter was also honoured at the ceremony for his 30 years of police service.

A former miner, Insp Carter joined the force in 1990 and was posted to Wakefield as a patrol officer.

He worked in Pontefract, South Kirkby and Kirklees through his career, and spent the last seven year’s as an inspector for the South East of the district.

Other award recipients included DC Lisa Redfern, who was commended for her investigation into the abduction of a 14-year-old girl by a 27-year-old man who had been grooming her, and an investigative team who snared two men after a series of armed robberies in Wakefield and Bolton Abbey.

Chief Supt Hussain said: “In several cases officers and residents have saved lives, sometimes risking their safety, and these awards are of special note.

“I want to thank all of my officers and staff for their hard work over a challenging 12 months and also pay tribute to community minded citizens who have shown real spirit and dedication to making their neighbourhoods safer.”