Worthing police officers are recognised for their bravery

The Sussex Police West Sussex Divisional Awards, held in Arundel Castle on Monday evening (July 20), gave thanks to police officers, PCSOs, volunteers and members of the community who have saved countless lives, averted disasters and put dangerous criminals behind bars - all while putting their own lives at risk.

Chief Inspector Howard Hodges praised a team of officers deployed to woods in Steyning following reports a man had stabbed himself in the chest.

Presenting the award to Police Sergeant Steve Cobbett and Police Constables Simon Wright and Stephanie Barrett, Chief Insp Hodges said: “The man was located quickly despite the large area, having suffered serious stab wounds to his chest.

“Officers administered life- saving first aid and remained with him for two hours.

“Without the actions of all the officers involved, the man would have lost his life.”

PCSOs Jamie Bennett, Jamie Honywood and Stewart Metcalfe were rewarded after saving a man’s life on Lancing beach. Chief Insp Will Rolls said the trio showed ‘great professionalism and compassion’ when dealing with the man who was trying to take his life. Despite sustaining injuries in the incident, the team continued to restrain the man, preventing him from harming himself.

Another team of officers, who cannot be identified, successfully brought down a drugs gang with their ‘sheer determination’.

Chief Insp Rolls said the team made a significant impact on the supply of drugs across the area, having arrested some 50 people, including violent offenders, and seizing £100,000-worth of drugs destined for Worthing.

Worthing Police Constables Verity Spalding and Sharon Moore saved a woman’s life after she threatened to jump from a bridge onto a railway line. The pair stayed with the woman for some 40 minutes, refusing to leave her side until she was returned to safety.

Chief Insp Rolls said they ‘demonstrated determination, compassion and dedication’.

“It is absolutely clear without the considerable efforts from these officers, that lady would have seriously harmed herself, or worse,” he said.

Police Constable Sharon Eppy was thanked for her ‘outstanding’ contribution as a leader of the Adur and Worthing police cadets.

Presenting her award, Chief Insp Rolls said it was ‘her selflessness that makes her so special’.

He said she ‘inspired young people to make their communities safer’.

Chief Superintendent Steve Whitton added: “I never cease to be amazed at the work police officers do to protect the public, often putting themselves at significant risk.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news

3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.