BLE Awards celebrates "outstanding community service"

Wednesday 18 November 2020

Helping a man who had fallen into the sea and apprehending a prolific offender following a 1km chase are among the achievements that were celebrated at the annual Law Enforcement Awards.

In the first event of its kind since the pandemic took place, Bailiwick Law Enforcement came together to recognise officers for their achievements in helping the community, while some members of the public were also celebrated for their brave and, in one case, life-saving actions.

“Since the last awards ceremony, the world has changed due to the pandemic and our staff within Law Enforcement have been asked to perform duties which no one could have predicted just over a year ago," said Head of Law Enforcement Ruari Hardy.

Civilians Lauren Read and Joe Tabel received certificates of recognition for helping a man that fell 20 feet into the sea while fishing, sustaining a serious head injury.

The pair heard the man shout for help and rushed to hold him above water, and get the attention of people on shore, who called the emergency services.

Meanwhile, Joseph Irvin received the Crimestoppers Achievement Award for pursuing and detaining a ‘prolific offender’ after returning home to find his front door open.

Mr Irvin saw the offender running from the house and chased them, following them down a 20ft drop into a neighbouring garden. Despite an injury and threats from the offender, he kept up pursuit for a kilometre and, assisted by others, managed to detain the offender until officers arrived.

Pictured: The Crimestopper's Achievement Award was given to Joseph Irwin for chasing and detaining a 'prolific offender.'

Special Constable Russell Welbourne was awarded the Special Constabulary Frederick Le Noury Trophy for “shouldering as much of the burden as he could” when his core role was stood down during lockdown.

After expressing a desire to support his response colleagues, Special Constable Welbourne was deployed to support traffic management. During that time, he received numerous reports praising the assistance he offered other officers, reportedly ending up “in the thick of it” numerous times.

Also awarded were Fleet Manager Geoff Le Page and Sergeant Ben Rowe, in recognition of their charity fundraising. Sergeant Rowe is the Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Royal British legion, and he raised £2,070 in 2019 when he grew his hair, then dyed it orange.

MrLe Page swam as part of a six-person English Channel relay swim team, completing the latter part of the race in force five winds. Their efforts raised £4,666 for Hope for Guernsey.

Mr Hardy said he was “very grateful” to see officers and the public alike commended at the Awards Ceremony.

“Staff work hard, sometimes in very challenging circumstances, and train thoroughly to try and ensure safe and successful outcomes to so many situations,” he said.

Home Affairs President Rob Prow said he was “honoured” to be invited to attend the evening and present awards on behalf of the Committee. “These are the people who keep our island safe and secure every day,” he said.

“We are lucky to have them, and those receiving awards should be rightly proud of their achievements.”

Pictured Top: some of the BLE Officers who received commendations during the Awards Ceremony.