EXCEPTIONAL acts of kindness and dedication were recognised at a police ceremony in Crowthorne last night. 

The Bracknell Commendation Ceremony saw 19 officers and members of the community awarded for outstanding acts at the special ceremony held at Wellington College, with awards handed out by the town's LPA commander Dave Gilbert.

Among those commended was Deborah Battersby who was honoured for jumping into action after man was hit by car and staying with him until help arrived and PC Melissa Mungal who talked a suicidal woman down from a multi-storey car park. 

Three Sainsbury's workers, Paul Burns, Teresa Clacy and Natalie Alexander, were credited with an 87-year-old man's quick recovery after launching CPR when his heart stopped beating. 
Chief Inspector Dave Gilbert said: “Evenings like these are a great way to recognise and reward those people who have gone the extra mile to make a difference to the community they serve and live in.

“Whether officers, staff or members of the community all those commended have demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication of which we should all be proud.”

Others nominated were PCs James Hillman and Waquar Mehrban for their professionalism in recovering a large stash of drugs which led to the imprisonment of the offender and Insp Jon Goosey and Alison Koen for their role in the Domestic Abuse Service Coordinator project. 

PCs Nadeem Salaam and Charlotte Brown were commended for ensuring a woman with mental health issues received early treatment and PS Dave Keenan was also recognised for his leadership when a severe fire broke out in a related incident.

Recently retired Sergeants Matt Gray and Steve McSweeney had their 30 years of service recognised, as did soon-to-be retired administrator Marilyn Morgan.

Gillian Ward, a member of the community, was commended for her selfless behaviour when helping the police find a missing person, Jaimie Evans was commended for her hard work and dedication as a case investigator and Special Constable Jamie Chriton was recognised for his professionalism and diligence in his role.