Dr Alan Billings has today (Wednesday, 12 August) presented seven police officers and staff with Police and Crime Commissioner commendations.

In total 14 individuals are to receive the commendations after their names were put forward by colleagues for shortlisting in the awards nomination process.  The quick ceremony was held at Force headquarters where each of them was presented with a framed certificate from the Commissioner.

Dr Billings said “Well done to everyone receiving commendations today.  I wanted the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and bravery of these officers.  It was a pleasure to meet with the individuals who put themselves in danger and work exceptionally hard for the sake of others and consistently strive to make South Yorkshire safer on a daily basis.

“These are very difficult times and it is always a pleasure – and a humbling experience – to hear about the incidents officers attend and the true professionalism of everyone’s work and actions.”

Each of the above were either commended for bravery or came a very close second by the awards panel in their category.

PC Rod McEnery found himself travelling in to Sheffield in an unmarked police vehicle with the Police and Crime Commissioner.  He received a request to intercept a stolen vehicle near the university and became engaged in a pursuit at high speed along Sheffield’s inner ring road. The stolen vehicle was eventually stopped. The incident resulted in a positive arrest and a very informed and briefed Commissioner, who was sitting in the front seat throughout.  Rod received the commendation for his professionalism.

PC Jasmine Hall in Doncaster received her commendation after her bravery led to the arrest of two men from a serious assault in Doncaster Town Centre back in October 2014.

The Police and Partners Together Awards will be held later in the year and the winners will be announced throughout the event.