“BRAVE and dedicated” police officers, staff and volunteers have been recognised for their hard work keeping Dorset safe. 

Dorset Police celebrated policing excellence and long service at their awards ceremony held at the Dorford Centre in Dorchester last Wednesday. 

The event saw 10 awards presented by Chief Constable James Vaughan and the High Sheriff of Dorset, Philip Warr. 
Long service and good conduct medals were also given to several officers and special constables. 

Other officers and staff were recognised for going above and beyond in their work to save lives and protect the county’s most vulnerable. 

Sergeant Asher Lee-Duncan and PC Anthony Berry received a Chief Constable’s commendation for their work arresting those involved in an alleged organised crime group.

Police claim members of the group abandoned a vehicle wearing balaclavas and carried weapons including machetes in Bournemouth.

Sgt Lee-Duncan was kicked in the head while attempting to apprehend a “known drug dealer in possession of a knife”, it was alleged.

When Sgt Lee-Duncan failed to respond to his radio, PC Berry started searching for his colleague. Once they were reunited, the officers arrested the suspect. A man was later charged with numerous offences. 

Nine officers and police staff were also recognised for their working supporting an 86-year-old who had lost £120,00 to fraudsters. 

During the investigation they identified numerous other victims.

The offenders were caught and received four to six years prison sentence each. 

Another recipient was Sergeant Matthew Whetham, who was awarded for his 20-year long service and good conduct medal. 

He joined the London Metropolitan Police in 1998 and during his career worked in special gang and violence teams and being on duty for the London Riots.

Sergeant Whetham then joined Dorset Police in 2016 as a patrol sergeant for Bridport. 

Chief Constable James Vaughan, said: “I am privileged to be able to commend the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our officers and police staff.

“It is really important that every individual is recognised for their valuable contribution in preventing and detecting crime and supporting victims,” he added.