Reward and Recognition Ceremony 2026

This year's MDP Reward and Recognition Ceremony, marked our fourth annual event honouring the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the people of our Force. It was a moment to reflect, celebrate and take pride in the exceptional work carried out by officers and Civil Servant colleagues over the past year.

A remarkable number of nominations were received from every rank, role and location. From frontline officers responding to critical incidents, to teams collaborating seamlessly and individuals improving our capabilities, the nominations showed the breadth and depth of talent within the MDP.

But the ceremony is about more than numbers. It represents acts of courage, leadership and teamwork, and the quiet dedication that makes a real difference.

Annual Award Winners

Team Excellence

PC Hughes, PC Platt, PC Heywood and PC Warwick, Barrow-in-Furness, responded to a serious, fast-moving incident involving multiple casualties. Working alongside Cumbria Police, they provided immediate first aid and supported the wider emergency response. Their teamwork and decisive action were formally praised by Cumbria Police.

Diversity and Inclusion

PS Green, Learning and Development, was recognised for her commitment to promoting neurodiversity and inclusion across the Force. As Dyslexia Lead, she has created articles, awareness campaigns and resources that have significantly increased understanding across the organisation.

Collaboration

Members of the Force Intelligence Management Unit were recognised for their collaboration in support of a nationally significant operation, working across Defence, Counter Terrorism Policing, UK Government and international partners, often giving up rest days to keep critical work moving.

Innovation

PS Clapcott, Drones Team, was recognised for establishing the MDP's first operational Uncrewed Aerial System capability, developing the operational framework and training officers as qualified pilots. He continues to shape UAS operations across the Force as Chief Pilot.

Inspirational Leader

Keavey, Corporate Communications, was recognised for her leadership and calm, positive approach in delivering a national event, and for consistently going above and beyond to support colleagues across the organisation.

Rising Star

DC Murphy, ICOS, while still a Trainee Detective Constable, led a complex fraud investigation. His work resulted in guilty pleas to all charges, the recovery of criminal assets and a custodial sentence.

Unsung Hero

Michelle, RAF Menwith Hill, took on the responsibilities of two additional roles alongside her own throughout 2025, ensuring training and administrative support continued without disruption across multiple stations.

Chief Constable Commendations

The Chief Constable Commendation is awarded for outstanding work over and above what the Force would expect in day-to-day duties.

Superintendent Ferry, for exceptional leadership and specialist expertise in developing the Force's response to a rapidly evolving threat.

Oliver, from Performance and Assurance, for transforming the Force's approach to performance management through innovation and dedication.

PC Cockburn, Drones Team, for outstanding professionalism and specialist expertise during a major national operation, working extended hours after being recalled to duty at short notice.

PC Crane, Special Escort Group, who, while off duty, stopped at a serious road traffic collision and took immediate action to help those injured, showing exceptional composure, leadership and compassion.

PC Rees, RAF Mildenhall, who, while off duty, showed exceptional bravery by intervening to protect members of the public from an armed individual, remaining at the scene until local police arrived.

PC Elsom and PC Elitty, RAF Alconbury, who showed exceptional initiative and courage in responding to a serious incident, providing vital support and lifesaving first aid to casualties.

Assistant Chief Constable Commendations

Recipients of ACC Commendations were recognised for dedication, professionalism, teamwork and leadership.

PC Ironmonger and PC Shaw, Portsmouth, who rescued a distressed man from the water by RHIB and kept him safe until he could be handed to partner agencies. Their actions undoubtedly prevented a loss of life.

PS Black, AWE, for sustaining and developing the Force's CBRN capability across multiple locations, through resilience and selfless service.

PC Ahmad, Portsmouth, who, while off duty, began CPR on an unresponsive member of the public and continued until paramedics arrived, helping to save a life.

PC Wyllie, Clyde Marine Unit, for his contribution to rebuilding and developing MDP marine training standards.

PS Wilson, PS Calladine, PS Kerr, PC Fallows, PC Chojnacki and PC Lawson, The Barrow Project Servator Team, for visible, unpredictable deployments that have enhanced reassurance and strengthened security, working closely with partner agencies.

Inspector Duncombe, Special Escort Group, for exceptional leadership in planning and delivering a complex multi-agency operation, praised by partner agencies.

A further group of colleagues received ACC Commendations for their contributions to a major MDP-led national operation. They were recognised for their leadership, specialist expertise, intelligence work and partnership working, in many cases at short notice and over extended periods.

Thank You

Thank you to the MDP Reward and Recognition Panel for their careful consideration, to PC Brennan and PS Ballantyne at Portsmouth for their support on the day, and to all nominators, nominees and support staff. Your commitment to recognising the work of your colleagues keeps our Force strong and united.

In 2027, let's continue to applaud each other's achievements and keep recognition at the heart of our Force.

Until next year!