Cheshire Police officers have been rewarded at the annual Chief Constable′s Awards night.
Medals were given to officers for good conduct and 20 years′ service, while newly promoted sergeants were welcomed into new posts.
Tributes were paid to retiring officers and staff, including former Chief Constable David Whatton, and special awards and commendations were made.
Among them was member of the public Richard Whitehouse, of Kelsall, who received the Chief Constable′s Commendation for outstanding public spiritedness in tracking down and detaining an arsonist outside his home.
Mr Whitehouse (pictured above) ran after someone he saw in a balaclava who was running from a car he had smashed and set on fire.
Mr Whitehouse chased John Buck along various streets before he caught up with him and held him until the police arrived.
Buck was charged with arson with intent to endanger life and was jailed for four years.
Also receiving a commendation was Steve Plant, who was praised for his part in helping to bring David Ryan, of Cranage cattery owner Diana Lee, to justice.
It was Steve’s efforts to make highly technical and loaded information digestible for a judge and jury which helped ensure Ryan was convicted of Mrs Lee′s brutal murder and jailed for 34 years.
Meanwhile, PCSO Kevin McShane, of Winsford, received a Judge′s Commendation in identifying and investigating a would-be robber.
Michael Morrison had attempted to rob a heavily pregnant woman at a cashpoint.
Morrison held a blade to her stomach, but she managed to run to her car, leaving her card in the machine but Morrison unable to take any cash.
A CCTV image of the offender was circulated, and PCSO McShane recognised it as a man he knew.
He made extensive enquiries, conducting visits to Morrison′s home, in which he saw him wearing the same clothes described by the victim and captured on CCTV. Morrison eventually pleaded guilty.
PC Michael Parr, PC Callum Rowland, PC Aiden Sharrock and PC Simon Moodley were give awards by the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, for their role in rescuing a man seen floating down the River Mersey in Warrington.
And PC Katie Ashcroft, who works at Chester, was named Probationer of the Year.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “These awards are a terrific opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of our officers and staff.
“I was delighted to be in the company of these people for an evening of celebration, and feel proud of their commitment to the Force and the people of Cheshire whom we serve.”
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