AN HEROIC police constable and community support officer who rescued a man and restarted his heart with CPR after a serious car crash were amongst nearly 20 officers from Wokingham commended for their work.

Pc Julie Susel and community support officer Craig Beales were called to a serious crash earlier in the year and quickly secured the scene before treating the unresponsive man with first aid. An ambulance crew later said their actions had saved his life.

The duo received a commendation at a special ceremony at Holdworth Hall in Sulhampstead on Wednesday, September 30.

Chief Inspector Robert France, commander of the Wokinghamn Local Police Area, said: “Policing is sometimes a testing and challenging profession and it takes a special person to take on the unique nature of the job.

“These ceremonies provide a great opportunity to recognise our officers and staff for the extraordinary things they do on a daily basis making Wokingham a safer place in which to live.

“I am very proud of those who have been commended and hope you agree that all the recipients have displayed characteristics and values that represent the finest traditions of British Policing.”

The commendations were awarded to police officers and community support officers who displayed exceptional courage initiative and dedication.

A team of three officers was also commended for catching a three burglars who targeted a home in Woodley. Detective Constable Barry Johns, PC Marcus Burrows and Matthew Jones caught two men loading a stolen safe into a previously stolen vehicle and found forensic evidence that a third man was involved.

The investigation found links to other offences and all three men were convicted and received custodial sentences totalling 32 years.

PC Monika Taranczewska was commended for her dedication to safeguarding vulnerable children. Her work has assisted in keeping children in Wokingham safe and reducing the demand on other police resources.

PC Tin Wong, PC Chris Roberts, PC Gemma Matthews, PCSO David Bradbrook and PCSO Nicola Shepherd were commended for their quick thinking and team work whilst responding to a vulnerable man threatening to kill himself.

PC Chris Susel and PC Sarah Webb were commended for their outstanding investigation and dedication in protecting the vulnerable and elderly community from organised crime.

PC Paul Bentley was honoured for his dedication to tutoring and supporting Special Constables.

PCSO Jackie Daniels and PCSO Jason Stavely were commended for their quick thinking and actions preventing a young girl from falling victim to serious harm.

PC Adam Whelpdale and PC Ali Robinson were commended for providing excellent support and compassion to a vulnerable girl who was subject to child sexual exploitation and had attempted to kill herself.

Deputy LPA Commander Insp Mike Graham was also awarded with a long service medal.