Awards glory for town's top cops

Police Officer of the Year went to David Law, who has worked for South Yorkshire Police for 14 years and arrested a suspect on average every three days or so.

Abeid Hussain won Special Constable of the Year for completing more than 150 hours and 177 policing duties in 2016 in which he provided “invaluable support for the central LPT”.

A police spokesman said: “As a multi-lingual speaker, Abeid’s engagement with communities and ability to effectively communicate and break down barriers was also recognised.”   

Rotherham Central Local Policing Team (LPT) was named team of the year “for providing a first-class service to communities affected by repeated demonstrations, community tensions and increased feelings of vulnerability”.

The Making a Difference award for initiative went to PC Lisa Cooke and PC Debra Woodward for their commitment to protecting vulnerable people.

PC Chris Nicholson and Carol Adamson from Rotherham Borough Council won the Partnership of the Year award for their work on Operation Solar to tackle hate crime.

PCSO of the year was won by Claire Ryan for tackling anti-social behaviour in Rawmarsh and PCSO Steph Mcintyre was given a commendation for her community engagement work in Eastwood.

The ceremony, held at the New York Stadium and aimed at rewarding “passion, teamwork and commitment”, was opened by Chief Supt Rob Odell and Chief Constable Stephen Watson.

Volunteers were recognised, and cadets Mohamed Salem (17) and David Maco (19) shared the Volunteer of the Year prize.

Mohamed was awarded for his exceptional work engaging with the community, as well as his professionalism and dedication.

David’s work supporting the central LPT, SportsFX project and positive engagement with local communities, was recognised.  

Chief Supt Odell said: “Mohamed and David are both integral to helping the information flow between our officers and the public.

“They help to overcome cultural differences and speak a number of languages, which allows for reassurance to be more clearly communicated during ongoing incidents, which often bring large crowds on to the streets.

“Equally important is the role they perform in information gathering.

“Both have excellent people skills and are approachable, enabling people to raise concerns around criminality and anti-social behaviour.”

Mohamed said: “I enjoy talking to people and being from Rotherham helps them to identify with me and feel comfortable when engaging with the police.

“My parents are of English and Yemeni origin, so I can speak Arabic which often helps break down any potential barriers.”

David often joins patrols in Wellgate with senior colleagues and his Slovakian heritage enables him to help communicate to fellow Slovaks and Roma people.

Chief Supt Odell added: “David’s dedication is commendable.

“He balances a full-time job with the demands of being a cadet but this does not diminish the enthusiasm and energy he brings to the force.

“He is a credit to himself and the service.

“He’s given up his time to support the Sports FX project for youngsters and is continuing to build strong links with the Rotherham community.”