It was the annual Police and Partners Together Awards on Friday 2 October hosted by the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings.

The event held at the Holiday Inn Doncaster A1 in Warmsworth, Doncaster was attended by almost 150 guests which included the High Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant, Chief Constable and representatives from the District Mayors, to partner agencies.

Harry Gration from Look North presented 14 awards to individuals and teams who have demonstrated a high level of commitment and professionalism in their work, by helping to keep the communities of South Yorkshire safe and free from crime.

Dr Alan Billings said: “These awards demonstrate the commitment of officers and partner agencies in South Yorkshire, who continue to look for new ways of reducing crime and working within their communities.

“We are seeing some very difficult times at the moment, with further cuts being announced, job reductions and having to look at different ways of doing things. Each of tonight’s winners deserves the recognition of an award and the opportunity to showcase their hard work to their colleagues and representatives across the county.

“Tonight would of course not have been possible had it not been for our sponsors.  I would like to thank Willmott Dixon, Irwin Mitchell, Holiday Inn, A1 Doncaster, Serco and Lyreco who have all contributed towards tonight.”

There were 14 winners across the board with representatives from each of the districts.

Chief Constable David Crompton said: “The demands on policing are increasing all the time but I think it is vitally important for the public to know that our staff rise to the challenge every day and go the extra mile to make a real difference in the community”

Police Officer of the Year Award went to Police Constable Ian Sides from Doncaster who over the past year has shown himself to be a supremely dedicated officer. He has made more arrests than any other officer in Doncaster and shows determination to track down those individuals who commit crimes against our communities.

Police Constable Maggie Malinowska received Police Community Support Officer of the Year for her work in Page Hall in Sheffield.  Maggie played a key role developing the community engagement and citizenship education projects for the Romani community. This was done alongside other partners and agencies.

She has played a valuable role not only in Sheffield East throughout last year, but has also made a significant contribution to other issues throughout the force.  Maggie has now moved over to Barnsley District where she is currently working as a Police Constable.

The Bravery Award was awarded to two Barnsley Officers who successfully dealt with an armed man in the centre of Barnsley.  Police Constables Simon Booth and Alison Mountain, showed exceptional bravery when they were notified of a man with black handgun in Barnsley Town Centre. The man was causing nearby members of the public to panic after they saw him with the weapon. Simon and Alison chose to advance and facilitated the removal of members of the public from the immediate scene.  They took verbal control of the suspect and arrested him putting the safety of the public before their own.

The Lifetime achievement in policing Award went to a Rotherham Police Constable who has served in Rotherham for 28 years at both Maltby and Dinnington.  Police Constable Shaun Rhodes, who recently retired from the Force, received the award for being a well respected officer within the community that he lives and works.  Shaun was nominated for the awards as an outstanding police officer who always demonstrated an incredible passion for his work.

Other award winners on the evening are:

PC Susan Fox, Sheffield District for the Brian Moseley Community Policing Award

Mrs Elsie Smith, Grimethorpe, Barnsley for Volunteer of the Year

Police Sergeant Kate Leake for Go Make a Difference

Darnall Community Project for the Partnership Award and their successful lantern parade through Darnall last year.

Sustainability Award – Mick Whittingham

Student Officer of the Year – Pc Chris Milnes, Doncaster District

Special Constable of the Year – SPC Mick Dobson, Rotherham District

Manager of the Year – Joanne Wright, Corporate Communications

Team of the Year – Operational Planning Unit

Police Staff Member of the Year – Carl Ball