Members of the public have been recognised alongside police officers and staff for their bravery, courage, and dedication in the latest Wiltshire Police Force Awards ceremony.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper welcomed The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory, KBE CB DL, the High Sheriff of Wiltshire Mr Martin Nye and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, to the ceremony at The Corn Exchange in Devizes.
Officers, staff, and members of the public attended the ceremony alongside their guests, to celebrate careers and contributions that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to our communities – including saving lives.
An number of Swindon people were among those honoured, including Krystal Fishlock, who was awarded a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public, in honour of her courage, public-spiritedness, and invaluable assistance to Wiltshire Police.
On March 6, 2025, Krystal intervened when a man tried to abduct a 17-year-old girl in Swindon town centre. Krystal offered to take the young woman to safety and then pursued the suspect on foot, which led to the offender being identified and arrested.
Police Constables Dave Thompson, Adam Gutowski, and Ben Lambert were also awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation in recognition of their swift, courageous, and life-saving actions during an incident on Monday 23 September 2024, at an address in Swindon.
Their decisive and coordinated response successfully revived a man who was found unresponsive and those who attended the ceremony heard there was no doubt that the actions of these officers prevented loss of life that day.
Carmella Carchedi (Mela), a Senior Project Worker for the Sex Worker Outreach Programme with The Nelson Trust was recognised with a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public. Through her swift actions and compassionate nature, Carmella has directly saved numerous lives—often in the most challenging of circumstances.
On multiple occasions, she has identified individuals in critical health crises, administered life-saving Naloxone, performed CPR, and ensured those in need received urgent medical care. Her actions have not only prevented fatalities but have also given many the opportunity to recover and rebuild.
Chief Constable Catherine Roper said: “As the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police I am incredibly proud to lead an organisation filled with individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving and protecting our communities.
"Last year Wiltshire not only came out of engage status, but also received an improved PEEL inspection report, which highlights that we are serving our communities better. This significant accomplishment is a direct result of the hard work and determination of all out teams.
"Last year Wiltshire not only came out of engage status, but also received an improved PEEL inspection report, which highlights that we are serving our communities better. This significant accomplishment is a direct result of the hard work and determination of all out teams.
"While we welcome this independent feedback, we remain focused on continuing improvements, and for excellence in all aspects of our service.
"Policing is an honour and a privilege. It is a profession that demands the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and professionalism. The scrutiny on our performance and delivery is justified, as our communities deserve nothing less than the best.
"We have come together this evening to recognise and celebrate the incredible actions of Wiltshire Police officers, staff and volunteers, along with members of our community who have courageously stepped forward to help.
"Evenings like this make me immensely proud to be the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.
“To all of the award recipients, well done and thank you.”
"Policing is an honour and a privilege. It is a profession that demands the highest standards of integrity, compassion, and professionalism. The scrutiny on our performance and delivery is justified, as our communities deserve nothing less than the best.
"We have come together this evening to recognise and celebrate the incredible actions of Wiltshire Police officers, staff and volunteers, along with members of our community who have courageously stepped forward to help.
"Evenings like this make me immensely proud to be the Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police.
“To all of the award recipients, well done and thank you.”
Assistant Chief Constable Liz Coles was recognised as an inspirational leader for her work setting up the force’s first-ever We Rise programme - an innovative year-long development initiative aimed at colleagues from under-represented and minority groups. ACC Coles has created life-changing opportunities for participants who may otherwise have lacked access to such development.
Her personal investment went far beyond her formal responsibilities, dedicating significant time and energy to mentoring delegates, attending sessions, and providing unwavering support.
Awards presented totalled:
- 20 Long Service Awards
- Two Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public
- Three Chief Constable’s Commendation Award
- One Inspirational Leadership Award
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “This evening’s awards ceremony recognises the professionalism and commitment shown by our officers, staff and volunteers whose commitment to public service is truly inspiring.
Awards presented totalled:
- 20 Long Service Awards
- Two Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition for Members of the Public
- Three Chief Constable’s Commendation Award
- One Inspirational Leadership Award
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “This evening’s awards ceremony recognises the professionalism and commitment shown by our officers, staff and volunteers whose commitment to public service is truly inspiring.
"These individuals have shown dedication in challenging circumstances and gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of those who live, work and visit Wiltshire.
“I’m pleased to see the positive progress the force has made under the leadership of Chief Constable Catherine Roper, and I want to congratulate all those being recognised for their contribution to the improvement journey that we continue to proceed on.”
Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, instituted under Royal Warrant by King George VI in June 1951, are awarded as a mark of the Sovereign's appreciation of long and meritorious service.
“I’m pleased to see the positive progress the force has made under the leadership of Chief Constable Catherine Roper, and I want to congratulate all those being recognised for their contribution to the improvement journey that we continue to proceed on.”
Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, instituted under Royal Warrant by King George VI in June 1951, are awarded as a mark of the Sovereign's appreciation of long and meritorious service.
For an officer to become eligible for this award the Chief Constable must make a recommendation to the Home Secretary, and in doing so is required to certify the following:
- That an officer has been a serving member of a Police Force
- That the officer has served efficiently for the qualifying period
- That the officer's character has been very good
Those awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals included Sergeant Jansen Carter, Detective Inspector Dean Garvin, Detective Inspector Sam Hopkinson, retired Detective Sergeant Carol Lovelock, T/Detective Constable Leigh Mayhew, Police Constable Rebecca Nixon, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker.
The Special Constabulary Long Service Medal is a medal awarded to members of the Special Constabulary who have completed a specified period of service. Established in 1919 by King George V, the medal was initially created to reward members of the Special Constabulary for their service during World War 1 with further regulations to recognise in years of service as a member of the Special Constabulary.
Those receiving this award included Special Constable Rob Bewey, Special Constable Jay Bundhoo, Special Constable Damien Penman and Special Constable Richard Warren MBE.
Police staff recognised for their long service were Tracy Cooper, Yvette Dawson-Philips, Louise Horrocks, Mark Kirby, Laura Parsons, and Trish Parker.
- That an officer has been a serving member of a Police Force
- That the officer has served efficiently for the qualifying period
- That the officer's character has been very good
Those awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medals included Sergeant Jansen Carter, Detective Inspector Dean Garvin, Detective Inspector Sam Hopkinson, retired Detective Sergeant Carol Lovelock, T/Detective Constable Leigh Mayhew, Police Constable Rebecca Nixon, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker.
The Special Constabulary Long Service Medal is a medal awarded to members of the Special Constabulary who have completed a specified period of service. Established in 1919 by King George V, the medal was initially created to reward members of the Special Constabulary for their service during World War 1 with further regulations to recognise in years of service as a member of the Special Constabulary.
Those receiving this award included Special Constable Rob Bewey, Special Constable Jay Bundhoo, Special Constable Damien Penman and Special Constable Richard Warren MBE.
Police staff recognised for their long service were Tracy Cooper, Yvette Dawson-Philips, Louise Horrocks, Mark Kirby, Laura Parsons, and Trish Parker.
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