Awards for outstanding officers and staff

A police officer who helped save the life of a 90-year-old man at the Channel Tunnel, the team who led the investigative response to the Insulate Britain protests and an officer who has been recognised for dedication to service in Folkestone and Hythe were recipients at the latest Chief Constable’s Awards Ceremony.

The event, held at the Kent Police College on Tuesday 3 September 2024 recognises Kent Police officers and staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Among them was PC Grant Pollard who helped save the life of a man whilst on armed patrol at the Channel Tunnel.

PC Pollard delivered vital first aid to an elderly man who had hit his head and fallen unconscious in the Passenger Terminal Building.

He discovered the man was not breathing and carried out CPR and attached a defibrillator.

PC Pollard continued to assist with compressions once the paramedics arrived and the Critical Care Paramedic stated that PC Pollard’s actions had given the patient the best possible chance of recovery.

PC Pollard was presented with an award from the Royal Humane Society for his life saving actions.

Protests

Detective Chief Inspector David Higham and Detective Sergeant Andy Jennings undertook an extensive investigation into the actions of Insulate Britain protestors in 2021.

The protests resulted in the M25 being closed on five occasions and the Port of Dover being brought to a standstill for several hours.

The officers' hard work led to 109 charges being brought against 74 people. Of these charges, 77 were for public nuisance, which is a complex crime and was only possible because DCI Higham worked tirelessly to unpick previous failed public nuisance cases.

The team were commended by the Judge during the many trials, with Kent being the first force to secure public nuisance charges for the Insulate Britain cases and held as national best practice by the Queen's Counsel, CPS and the College of Policing.

DCI Higham and DS Jennings were awarded with the Chief Constable’s Certificate of Merit for their outstanding commitment to a prolonged, complex and challenging investigation.

Response officer

Police Constable Nicholas Holley was voted as being in the top 12 response police officers nationally, for his outstanding professionalism and dedication to service in the Folkestone and Hythe area.

PC Holley has seven years’ policing experience and during this time has maintained a positive attitude in challenging situations and has an exemplary work ethic.

He is focused on the impact that he has on the public in Folkestone and does everything he can to make a positive difference. He single-handedly solved a burglary crime series arresting five masked suspects who had been breaking into cafes and stealing safes and property.

PC Holley is whole-heartedly committed to the local community he serves. In recognition of his hard work, he was presented with a National Police Chiefs' Council of Merit award.

Presenting the awards, Kent Police Chief Constable Tim Smith said: ‘I am extremely proud of these officers and staff who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism and dedication. ‘Their endeavours show the different and complex challenges those who work for Kent Police encounter daily. ‘It is worth noting that these are however just a few examples of the outstanding work ethic and commitment I see from all my officers, staff and volunteers. It is these traits that help us make a positive difference to the communities we serve.’