A MELKSHAM police constable was honoured at last month’s Wiltshire Police Force Awards.
Melksham-based Police Constable Jamie Collings received a Chief Constable’s Commendation, for his bravery at the scene of a domestic dispute in Melksham, which had resulted in a man smashing his hand through a double-glazed window and taking his two-year-old child without permission.
Jamie, who was responding to the incident alone, attempted to arrest the suspect, and was met with several violent outbursts. Despite being punched in the face, ribs and slammed against a garage door, Jamie was able to detain the suspect and wait for back-up crews to arrive and assist.
About Jamie, a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said, “Thank you for the bravery, calmness and confidence you displayed when trying to deal with a vulnerable member of the community – despite the extreme aggression and violence shown towards you.”
Also honoured at the ceremony last month was Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Andrew MacLachlan, from the Wiltshire West Community Policing Team that covers Melksham, who received an Excellence in Partnership Working award.
Andrew received his award for his work as a force hate crime advisor, providing the best possible support to numerous victims of hate crime and using his vast experience to assist and guide his colleagues and supervisors. He has assisted Wiltshire Police in expanding its number of hate crime advisors from 13 to 42 located across the county.
About Andrew, a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said, “You consistently go above and beyond in your role. Thank you for dedication and ongoing commitment to putting victims at the heart of everything you do. Your work is the embodiment of the Force values and behaviours and something to be immensely proud of.”
