Police stars of 2024 honored at annual awards

Saturday, June 8, 2024

The fantastic efforts of police officers, staff, volunteers and partners over the past year have been recognized at the annual West Yorkshire Police Awards.

This year’s event took place at the New Dock Hall at the Royal Armories in Leeds yesterday (Friday 7 June) and was hosted by BBC Look North presenter Phil Bodmer.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Chief Officer’s team and dignitaries from West Yorkshire and awards were presented to individuals, teams and partnerships for exceptional investigations, courage, innovation and outstanding service.

Speaking after the event, Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL, said:

“I would like to thank our officers, staff and partners for the fantastic work they have done to support communities over the past twelve months.

“The nominations for this year’s awards were once again of the highest order and showcased the very best of West Yorkshire’s police service.

“These awards are an opportunity to remember and rightly celebrate the fact that we still provide policing through our best asset – our people. Police staff, officers and volunteers are members of the community who do extraordinary work through their commitment to public service and policing. I’m very proud of all of them.”

Alison Lowe OBE, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said:

“It was inspiring to hear so many amazing stories of courage, dedication and remarkable achievement.

“These awards are a fantastic way to recognize the incredible commitment that officers, police staff, volunteers and partners show to keep our communities safe.

“Congratulations to all of the evening’s worthy award winners.”

The full list of awards and winners was as follows:

The award for extraordinary public service (sponsored by Rider Levett Bucknall UK Limited)

Winner: DS Jim Rudge, Kirklees

For hard work, dedication and commitment to Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit.

Adams McGill Award for the Protection of Vulnerable Victims (sponsored by Magnet Forensics)

Winner: Leeds District Safeguarding Unit

For their effort and commitment to an ongoing international safeguarding investigation.

Outstanding contribution to equality and diversity (sponsored by Sekhon Group)

Winner: PC Halina Cahn, Bradford

For her outstanding commitment to engaging with groups in the Bradford district, particularly hard-to-reach women’s groups.

Dennis Hoban Crime Investigation Award (sponsored by Eurofins Forensic Services)

Winner: DC Julie Arnott, Leeds

In recognition of her tenacity in ensuring that a sex abuser was brought to justice for crimes committed against children and vulnerable adults over a period of over three decades.

Sharon Beshenivsky Award, PCSO of the Year

Winner: PCSO Colin Starford, Kirklees

For his commitment and dedication to his role as a Police Community Support Officer.

The Ian Broadhurst Trophy for outstanding contribution to road policing

Winner: Forensic Collision Investigation Training Team, Regional Scientific Support Services (sponsored by West Yorkshire Police Federation Group Insurance Scheme)

In recognition of the drive, determination and innovative approach to solving a national training capacity issue by developing an in-house team to deliver a learning program delivered by City & Guilds whilst maintaining forensic collision investigation services across region.

Special Agent of the Year Award (sponsored by West Yorkshire Police Federation Group Insurance Scheme)

Winner: SO Steve Houghton, Leeds

For his outstanding contribution to the Leeds District Special Constabulary.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Winners: Wendy Fryer and Ian Swift

In recognition of their unwavering commitment to volunteering and exemplary service to West Yorkshire Police in supporting events.

The Colin Cramphorn Trophy for Contribution to Neighborhood Policing (sponsored by Slater and Gordon)

Winner: Halton Moor Team, Leeds

For their tireless work in using a new partnership approach to tackle crime in the Halton Moor area, which has resulted in improved relationships with local councilors and a significant reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour.

The award for solving problems with partners (sponsored by Mitie and West Yorkshire PFI Operational Training & Accommodation Ltd)

Winner: PS Mark Rothery, Leeds

For his exemplary work as Community Cohesion Sergeant for Leeds Borough.

Outstanding Leadership Award (sponsored by Niche)

Winner: DI Kristy Wright

In recognition of his outstanding work and commitment throughout his policing career to improving the protection of children and vulnerable adults in West Yorkshire.

Police Courage Award (sponsored by Bluline West Yorkshire)

Winner: PC Jess Bell, Calderdale

For her actions in an incident involving a man armed with a knife on the roof of a property in freezing conditions.

Policing Innovation Award (sponsored by NEC)

Winner: Team Hydra

For creating an innovative senior leadership development program which not only improved West Yorkshire Police’s ability to respond to critical incidents in West Yorkshire, but also received positive feedback nationally and interest from other police forces.

Team of the Year Award (sponsored by AXON)

Winner: West Yorkshire PLO Team

For their continued hard work in maintaining effective communication between protest organizers and police commanders during spontaneous and pre-planned public order events.

Mary Ethel Danby Award for Outstanding Contribution to Combating Violence Against Women and Girls (sponsored by Infinity, part of the Norse Group)

Winner: DSupt Vanessa Rolfe

In recognition of her efforts as leader of the force on violence against women and girls.

West Yorkshire Police would also like to thank No 1 Copperpot, UNISON, Costco, PMAS, Motorola, Kulpa Cloud and Konica for being this year’s associate sponsors.