A ceremony was held at Cornwall Mount police headquarters on Tuesday with the nine honours handed out by Chief Superintendent Gary Ritchie,
Sergeant Lynsey Nicolson and Constable Bruce Kemp were recognised for going above and beyond their duty when they saved a man in Dumfries in August.
He collapsed after a drugs overdose and the pair performed CPR before he was taken to hospital and then made a full recovery. It was noted that they both remained calm throughout and also reassured the victim’s family.
Pensioner Stuart Dalgliesh was shopping in Tesco, Lockerbie Road, Dumfries on April 30 when he helped foil a shoplifter.
The 72-year-old had finished his shopping when he saw a shoplifter struggling with store security staff. Deciding to help, he struck the shoplifting with his trolley and then helped pin him down until police arrive.
Praising his actions, Ch Supt Gary Ritchie said: “I believe Mr Dalgliesh deserves special recognition for his efforts whereby he placed himself in danger without hesitation in order to assist two members of the public, store security staff.”
Special Constable Hardip Atwal from Annan was awarded for making a difference in his policing role, where he is noted for his hard working ethics, enthusiasm, generosity and cheery disposition.
Ch Supt Ritchie said: “He has long been an ambassador for local policing and to say he throws himself into every situation is an understatement. He is a very genuine and popular person who is first in line to help anyone.”
Mr Atwal’s numerous “outstanding and relentless” efforts to help the Run Doonhame team raise £15,000 were also highly praised.
There was also a nod for Sergeant Iain McKie, the founder of the Run Doonhame team. He started the challenge in 2013 and it has run for four years and raised thousands of pounds for locals and the COPS charity.
Also making a difference were constables Nicola Wilson and William Boyce.
They are based in Galloway and have, respectively, 17 and 14 years service in the division with Wilson’s core role as an anti social behaviour officer and Boyce as a school campus officer.
Retired constable Alison Hannah received a recognition award for the work and commitment she has shown through her campus officer role in the Stewartry.
Finally, special constable Robert Telfer, of Kirkconnel, was present to celebrate his 29 year service. He consistently gives 400 hours a year of his time and in 2014 was also deployed to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
After making the presentations, Ch Spt Gary Ritchie said: “It was a privilege to hear about the breadth and scope of work being carried out by staff across the division, and an honour to recognise and meet people who have gone above and beyond what might otherwise be expected in a number of situations.
“Everyone who received an award should be proud of their efforts and the public should also take pride in those who are serving in their communities across the region.”
