Officers Commended For Outstanding Work In West Sussex

Officers, staff, partners and members of the public have been commended for their outstanding work at a West Sussex annual event.

A number of employees across the force were recognised for their work at the West Sussex Divisional Awards ceremony, which took place on Monday 30 September at Arundel Castle.

Awards were presented for a variety of reasons including life saving actions, long-term investigations, commitment to the force and inspired work to find those missing.

Chief Superintendent Stu Hale, Divisional Commander for West Sussex, said:

“Every day, we see the hard work which is put into policing West Sussex by everyone on the division.

“The awards gives us an opportunity to say thank you and I am immensely proud of those who have shown that they have what it takes to make a difference, and they are a credit to our force

“Our staff and officers face a number of challenges, which they overcome in order to achieve our priorities: to protect communities, catch criminals and deliver an outstanding service.

“I am honoured to help present the awards and be part the day.”

Chief Superintendent Stu Hale

Police Constable Eryn Towns, of Bognor Response, scooped two awards for his bravery.

On 13 October 2023, he was making his way into work for a night shift when he spotted a man with a hammer on Bersted Street, Bognor.

He engaged with the man while calling 999 and managed to get the hammer away from him, before on-duty officers came and detained the man.

PC Towns showed dedication by keeping the man under control until back-up arrived.

Similarly, on 17 April 2024, PC Towns and a colleague tackled and detained a man who claimed to be making explosives and targeting police on East Street, Littlehampton.

With no consideration for their own safety, the man was arrested and was found in possession of a hammer, a knife and bleach.

They protected their colleagues and the wider community from coming to harm.

Deputy Lieutenant Harry Goring, PC Eryn Towns, Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones

Police were called to a concern for a man’s welfare on 16 July 2023, who was on a bridge on Harwood Road, Horsham. Member of the public, Neil Boniface, stumbled across the man and saved him from any further harm.

Police Constable Shane Meech, of Worthing Response, attended and assisted Neil before the fire crews got him to safety.

PC Meech and Neil saved the man’s life.

Deputy Lieutenant Harry Goring, Neil Boniface, PC Shane Meech, Chief Inspector James Davidson

While police were conducting licensing checks in Alexandra Tavern, London Road Bognor on 27 September 2023, officers were made aware of an incident at the Alex Tavern.

Police Constable Teagan Cornell and Police Constable Joanna Hutchins arrived to see a man had collapsed.

Both officers immediately started first aid, and gave life-saving CPR until other officers an ambulance arrived. The man made a full recovery and was discharged from hospital three days later.

PC Cornell and PC Hutchins were commended for undoubtedly saving this man’s life.

Deputy Lieutenant Harry Goring, PC Joanna Hutchins, PC Teagen Cornell, Chief Inspector Will Keating-Jones