During the annual Chief Constable’s Presentation Evening, Chief Constable Simon Chesterman formally recognised the achievements of exceptional Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) police officers.
Speaking at the event, Simon said “There are times when our officers and staff go far beyond what is expected of them, whether in responding to emergencies, protecting others, or carrying out their work to an exceptional standard. When this happens, their conduct deserves formal recognition.
“This evening, we are proud to celebrate those individuals whose actions, dedication, and professionalism have made a real difference, and to present them with commendations as a mark of our thanks.”
Constable Darren Parsley
On New Year’s Eve last year, while off duty at home, PC Darren Parsley found himself facing an unimaginable situation when a neighbour’s house suddenly exploded in a suspected gas blast.
Without hesitation and with no thought for his own safety, Darren ran into the badly damaged building. Inside, he rescued an elderly occupant trapped under rubble, provided immediate first aid, and reassured two further residents who were trapped upstairs. He quickly called 999 to ensure the right emergency response arrived, and then coordinated neighbours to check surrounding homes for casualties and to keep people safe until emergency services arrived.
Darren’s line manager described his actions as truly inspiring — highlighting how his quick thinking, bravery, and Police Medic training undoubtedly played a crucial role in saving lives that evening. He also noted how fitting it is that Darren’s courage and professionalism have been recognised not only by the organisation, but also in the local media.
Constable Scott Wilkinson
Two officers were patrolling off site at Hartlepool when they were flagged down by members of the public. Upon speaking to the couple, the female told them she wasn’t feeling well and she suspected her drink had been spiked with poison. She then sat down and collapsed on the grass. As a trained police medic, PC Scott Wilkinson gave medical advice as he was travelling to the scene, supporting his colleagues who were providing immediate first aid.
On arrival, Scott took over administering the first aid and attached a defibrillator, which instructed CPR to be given. This was done until the female started breathing again, after which Scott continued to provide aftercare and monitor her stats until the North East Ambulance Service arrived.
Thanks to Scott’s clear and concise communications, he was able to guide his colleague in the initial provision of first aid, until he was able to take over her care himself.
Constable Gregor Smith
PC Gregor Smith was on external patrol with a colleague when a call came in from a member of the ambulance service, urgently reporting a cardiac arrest in Dunbar. The ambulance crew were over 30 minutes away with no other crew in the area.
On arrival, they found the fire service already on site, getting ready to attend to the casualty. Gregor’s instinct to lead kicked in; he made his way to the front and took charge. Assessing the situation with a keen eye, he efficiently coordinated the efforts of the fire crew, utilising the equipment they had already deployed.
Gregor wasted no time and immediately began attending to the casualty. He attached a defibrillator while simultaneously managing the airway. His clear, authoritative directions ensured that the fire crew continued compressions. Under his guidance, the scene transformed into a well-coordinated response, with everyone knowing their role.
When the ambulance service arrived, Gregor seamlessly transitioned into the handover process. He delivered a comprehensive briefing – providing details of the patient’s condition, treatment provided, and the timeline of events. Even during the handover, he remained an integral part of the response, ready to assist wherever needed.
Gregor’s quick thinking, decisive leadership, and effective communication not only helped in managing the critical situation but also exemplified the teamwork necessary in high-pressure emergencies.
Constable Luke Chalcraft
Whilst on an external patrol, Suffolk Constabulary requested urgent assistance at a scene where a male armed with a knife was threatening an unarmed police officer and self-harming.
When PC Luke Chalcraft and a colleague arrived, they found two Suffolk officers speaking with a distressed woman outside the property, who turned out to be the suspect’s mother. Entering the premises, Luke began negotiating with the suspect, who was verbally abusive and repeatedly shouting that he wanted to end his life.
The suspect stood at the top of the staircase clutching what appeared to be a large kitchen knife. He repeatedly held the blade to his chest, stomach, and neck, threatening to harm himself. At one point he stated his intention to stab himself and then charge at the officers, forcing them to “put two bullets” in him.
Despite the volatility of the situation, Luke and his colleague remained calm and composed, continuing to engage the suspect in negotiation. Through clear communication and skilful negotiation, Luke and his colleague persuaded him to drop his weapons and surrender, leading to a safe arrest.
The officers demonstrated exceptional professionalism, gathering all available information and adapting their approach in a highly dynamic and challenging situation. Despite the subject making repeated threats of what is often described as “suicide by cop,” their outstanding communication skills ensured the incident was safely resolved, protecting both the suspect and everyone present.
Constable Joe Scarce
PC Jordan Smith and PC Joe Scarce were dispatched in response to reports of a cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, the officers were met with a distressing scene an elderly woman in the passenger seat of a vehicle, while her son desperately performed CPR. With no ambulance yet on scene, the officers quickly took charge, carefully removing the patient from the vehicle to provide effective compressions.
They continued life-saving efforts in challenging circumstances, until paramedics arrived and advised them to cease, as a Do Not Resuscitate order was in place. Even then, their work was not done. They immediately turned their attention to supporting the patient’s family, providing reassurance in a moment of trauma, and assisting the ambulance team in respectfully managing the deceased.
From start to finish, both officers displayed calm, professionalism, and compassion, embodying the very best of what we expect from our Constabulary.
Sergeant Gemma Colton
Whilst commuting to work, Sergeant Gemma Colton noticed vehicles swerving suddenly on the main approach road to Sellafield OPU. Curious, she slowed to investigate and discovered that the cause of the disruption was a motorcycle lying at the side of the road.
Quickly assessing the situation, Gemma set out to locate the rider and found them a short distance away from the bike. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, she immediately contacted the emergency services for guidance. Following their instructions, Gemma carefully removed the rider’s helmet and discovered that the individual was not breathing. Without hesitation, she commenced CPR, continuing her efforts steadily until the emergency services arrived on scene.
Thanks to Gemma’s prompt response and professional actions, the injured person received urgent care without delay—care that would have been significantly delayed otherwise. Tragically, despite the tireless efforts of Gemma and the emergency services, the individual did not survive. Nonetheless, her courage, quick thinking, and unwavering professionalism in a critical and high-pressure situation stand as an outstanding example of the qualities we expect from our officers.
Chief Inspector Steve Edwards
The final commendation of the evening was presented on behalf of the National Police Chiefs Council and the National Police Coordination Centre.
Chief Inspector Steve Edwards was recognised by National Mobilisation Coordinator, ACC Mark Williams for his professionalism and teamwork supporting the delivery of the UK’s response to the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
This operation, known as Operation Zappas, was the first time UK police officers have been deployed to patrol a major sporting event overseas. It required complex work to ensure that officers were effectively deployed, briefed and supported.
