Everyday heroes celebrated at awards event in Exeter

Dedicated police officers who work across Exeter, East and Mid Devon were celebrated at a special awards ceremony recently.

The event at Exeter Guildhall highlighted the fantastic bravery and tenacity of those serving in Devon & Cornwall Police.

Superintendent Antony Hart heads up the Exeter, East & Mid Devon Local Policing Area and attended the awards evening to congratulate the nominees in person and hand out some of the certificates. He also reminded guests that the event venue, Exeter Guildhall, has previously been used as a police station and a prison.

Supt Hart said: “These type of events give us time to pause and reflect on some of the fantastic work that goes on across Exeter, East and Mid Devon. I hope the recipients are really proud of themselves as they have been nominated by their managers and peers. It’s nice to see family and friends here to celebrate with them and mark their bravery.”

He continued: “The support of family and friends is very important because these officers could not do what they do without it. The individual acts of bravery and heroism we have heard about tonight give trust and confidence to our public.”

Also present at the event was Alderman Stella Brock - representing the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Detective Superintendent James Dowler, Chief Inspector Chris Conway and Exeter Inspectors Nathan Johnson and Dave Turner.

Here are just a few of the amazing award winners and examples of their outstanding service to local communities:    

Superintendent’s Team Certificate

Police Constables Ryan Woolacott, and Andi Darbey, along with Police Dog Merlin received a Superintendent’s Certificate for locating a potentially dangerous suspect who had allegedly carried out an offence of rape. 

The suspect’s vehicle was found down a dark, disused track, which was barely passable. In freezing cold night-time conditions the officers searched for the man who had fled on foot across a very remote area in Beer, East Devon. Air support was unavailable to help find the man so dog handler PC Darbey and Merlin undertook the significant pursuit of the suspect through thick and dense undergrowth and brambles. Once the man was found PC Wollacott and PC Darbey worked together to take him into custody and secured crucial evidence. The officers showed significant determination, courage, and bravery in extremely difficult circumstances as they detained the man.

Grant Leitch, who recently retired as Sector Inspector for the Exmouth area, was awarded a Superintendent’s Certificate for leadership. He was praised for his passion for policing and belief in public service over the last 30 years. In his last role he worked tirelessly to address issues which impact the Exmouth community. He secured funding for hotspot officer patrols, engaged with the community and partners to identify and support youth engagement, addressed Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) involving vehicles and was also instrumental in instigating the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) for Exmouth, giving the town’s street marshals some extra powers to continue to tackle ASB.

Through his dedicated service Insp Leitch secured numerous positive outcomes, engaged key internal and external partners and included the community, providing an enhanced policing service to all who live in or visit the Exmouth area.

Superintendent’s Team Certificate

PC Ben Middleton, PC Linda Ebdon, PC Tom Driver and PC Samuel Bowyer-Thornton received a Superintendent’s team award for successfully executing 14 misuse of drugs warrants across East Devon during 2024. Their tireless efforts resulted in several arrests, seizure of Class A and B drugs, cash, phones, and other assets. The team's flexibility, resourcefulness, and ability to develop intelligence were crucial to these operations. Their commitment to reducing drug supply and safeguarding their communities in East Devon was praised and their dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit sets a high standard for their peers.

Chief Superintendent’s Commendation

PC Sarah Tong was on foot patrol in Exeter City Centre when she approached a man who was sleeping rough in a doorway. Despite several attempts to hide his identity PC Tong realised he was wanted by police and she attempted to detain him. She faced serious violence and aggression from the man and sustained blows to her head and body from a knife which the offender had in his jacket.

Despite the dangerous situation PC Tong persevered in her duty and was able, eventually, to arrest the man.