Police Scotland's Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards recognise north-east winners
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Members of the public, police officers and police staff were recognised at the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards ceremony at the Police Scotland headquarters in Tulliallan on Friday.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “These awards shine a light on the great value policing brings to communities: keeping people safe from harm, protecting the vulnerable, bringing criminals to justice, solving problems and reducing offending.
“I want to thank and congratulate all the winners and nominees, including members of the public. Their inspiring work and brave actions illustrate how policing stands up for and with our communities.”
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Scotland’s police officers and staff go above and beyond every day to serve our communities.
"What might seem ordinary for them is, in reality, often extraordinary and I am grateful to each and every one of them.
“These awards rightly recognise the bravery and excellence shown by police officers and staff, and by volunteers and members of the public across the country.
"I would like to congratulate all the nominees and award-winners – their stories are truly inspiring.”
Kerry McMahon-White, head of partnerships at Police Mutual said: “Police Mutual is very proud to again be sponsoring the Chief Constable’s Bravery and Excellence Awards, celebrating the very best of policing and recognising the outstanding achievements by officers and staff from across the service, the Scottish Police Authority and other partners.
"All nominees are an inspiration and a credit to the service and I, and all my colleagues at Police Mutual would like to offer my thanks to those who were nominated for your achievements as well as congratulations to the winners.”
The north-east winners were two police constables and a member of the public Malcolm MacIntyre.
In December 2022, a collision occurred in Aboyne, causing two vehicles to veer off the road, down a steep embankment into the River Dee.
Conditions at this time were icy, with the water temperature just above freezing.
When two police officers arrived, they witnessed a member of the public, Malcolm MacIntyre (57) entering the water to assist one of the men trapped within the vehicle.
One of the officers along with Malcom submerged themselves under the water to free the man, while the other officer prevented the other distressed man from re-entering the water.
Together with the other emergency services the man was carried to the side of the river, where tragically he passed away.
The officers and Malcolm showed remarkable courage and composure during their response to this tragic and challenging incident.
Also recognised were Sergeant James Griffin and PCs Rob Philips and Nicole McEwen.
In March 2023, Sergeant James Griffin (31) PCs Rob Philips (42) and Nicole McEwen (32) attended Catterline, Stonehaven regarding reports of a vehicle in the water.
On arrival they observed a man within the vehicle slumped over the driving wheel.
All officers entered the water, removing the unresponsive man, pulling him back to shore where they commenced CPR until the arrival of the Scottish Ambulance Service, however, tragically he died.
The officers showed remarkable courage and composure during their response to this tragic and challenging incident.
Receiving an excellence award was the North East Division's Scottish Child Interview Model Team
In November 2022, following a significant period of multi-agency consultation and development, the Scottish Child Interview Model was implemented within the North East Division.
The approach has ensured children and young people involved receive the required specialist response, support and care plans.
The hybrid model was rolled out across the three local authority areas, resulting in 92 per cent of children reported feeling safe with 79 per cent stating they would speak with interviewers again.
PC Jonathan Davis was also presented with an accolade.
PC Davis (44) is the suicide prevention officer for North East Division. Although Jonathan suffers from Klippel-Feil Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and ME causing constant pain and fatigue, his commitment to reducing suicide cannot be understated.
He is responsible for huge positive change, leading the force in many aspects of suicide prevention work.
His knowledge and expertise mean he is regularly called upon by other Police Scotland divisions, NHS, Public Health Scotland, local authorities and other emergency services.
