Officers recognised for outstanding achievements in west Kent

From life-saving CPR to relentless investigations resulting in success; officers have been recognised at a recent West Kent Divisional Commander’s Awards ceremony.

Chief Supt Neil Loudon was joined by the Kent High Sheriff, Jonathan Neame and Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Brookes, as he presented a total of 69 commendations.

Saving lives

PC Emily Davis and PC Kaitlyn Mallion have been recognised for their quick-thinking use of first-aid training after they located an unresponsive driver while on patrol in Maidstone on 12 April 2025.

Alongside other officers and an off-duty nurse, they performed resuscitation until paramedics arrived and ultimately saved the man’s life.

On 21 March 2025, police were notified of a missing person who had left home with a bag of medication.

Concerned for his welfare, PCs Lee Bunclark, Stuart Hosiene, and Grace Hedges, sprang into action and swiftly located the man, who was unresponsive.

They have since been commended for administering first aid with a defibrillator until paramedics arrived and their prompt actions were later described as being critical in saving his life.

Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon said:

‘Each of these officers should be incredibly proud for remaining calm and performing effective CPR on members of the public in medical crisis. Their decisive and brave actions meant they saved two lives, and two men returned home safely to their respective families.’

Relentless investigating

In September 2024, Kent Police was made aware of concerns about drug dealing near the A229 Hayle Road, Maidstone.

PC Carl Johnson received an award for leading a five month investigation, which culminated in the arrest of Francesko Rica. Searches undertaken as part of the warrant led to the seizure of cocaine, cash, and mobile phones.

The 28 year old, of College Road in Maidstone, was subsequently sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for drug dealing.

Chief Superintendent Loudon said:

‘Drugs are a blight on society, with dealers giving little to no thought of the lives they are ruining when they peddle illicit substances. Not only are they taking advantage of vulnerable members of the community, but they are usually funding organised crime as they attempt to line their pockets with ill-gotten gains.

‘I extend my thanks to officers, like PC Johnson, who work tirelessly to bring those concerned in the supply of drugs to justice. Their relentless efforts contribute enormously to keeping our communities safe.’

Making a difference

PCSOs Kirsty Greaves and Shivon De Rose have been awarded for their efforts after they teamed up with a horse-assisted learning charity in Maidstone to tackle violence against women and girls.

‘Crime Cloppers’ is an initiative, in collaboration with Team Tutsham Charitable Trust, designed to help 10-17 year old girls recognise signs of abuse and exploitation, and empower them with the skills to handle difficult situations they may find themselves in.

Chief Superintendent Loudon said:

‘The force is fortunate to benefit from the continued support of PCSOs who have a heart for tackling local issues. Kirsty and Shivon have shown unwavering dedication to crafting schemes for young people in and around Maidstone, to arm them with valuable life skills and help keep them out of harm’s way. ‘Both officers work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of their initiatives and both Crime Cloppers – as well as their other initiative, Fish Fest – have proven to be successful with their intended audiences, with a second branch of Fish Fest having been set up in Folkestone earlier this year.’

Bravery

Police were called to a disturbance at the Fairmeadow building, Maidstone, just before 3am on 1 September 2024 where two men were involved in an altercation.

Officers attended and located a man with 51 separate stab wounds, including a punctured lung and broken rib. Their swift response led to life-saving aid for the victim.

Searches of the immediate area were carried out and Haiden Tomlin was found hiding in an area of undergrowth.

Tomlin, 19, was later sentenced to five years and nine months’ imprisonment for wounding with intent.

Chief Superintendent Loudon said:

‘PC Thomas Healy, alongside Detective Constables Nell Shortis and Joanna Slevin, have received commendations for demonstrating bravery in the face of the unknown. Uncertain as to whether the suspect was still armed, they carried out thorough searches in the dark of night to locate him. As a result of their courage, the victim saw the perpetrator ordered to serve a substantial custodial sentence.’

Unwavering dedication and enthusiasm

Other Divisional Commander Awards included:

Thanks to Special Sergeant Graham Eastgate for exceptional dedication, unwavering commitment, and outstanding voluntary service to Kent Police, West Division, and the wider community;

Recognition of Intelligence Officer Morgan Beverley, whose enthusiasm and support for colleagues has never waned since joining the force;

Appreciation for the efforts of PCs Abigail Mayres, Thomas Mead, Ronnie Barrett, Jake Lewis-Roake, and Bobby Hills, who rescued a woman from a fast-flowing river in Tonbridge in February 2025.

Chief Supt Loudon added:

‘Courage, determination, and selflessness are qualities our officers demonstrate in abundance on a daily basis. Their unfaltering perseverance while investigating and fortitude in bringing criminals to justice is admirable. ‘I hold both our officers and staff in the highest regard for their brave actions and believe in the importance of recognising their dedication to delivering a high-quality public service.’