Volunteers who give up their time helping the police have been recognised for their hard work in a ceremony held in West Norfolk.
More than 100 people attended the Citizens in Policing event at King's Lynn Town Hall last night (Thursday, March 8).
Special constabulary, cadets and community speedwatches were thanked by West Norfolk police, family and friends and community leaders for their dedication in helping to keep the public safe.
In the ceremony, guests were told of the hard work and hours the volunteers have put in last year in helping the police force.
This included 62,362 duty hours by the special constabulary, seizing 338 vehicles, making 343 arrests, assisting police with 587 road traffic collisions and 564 roadside breath tests.
Superintendent David Buckley told volunteers in his speech that every single one of them were a valuable member of the team.
He thanked their families of police cadets for supporting the volunteers and providing them stability at home, adding: 'Otherwise we couldn't ask the volunteers to do the volunteering.
'I think the police volunteers it's not a label many people have heard of.
'Speed watch is absolutely vital for us,' he added. 'The special constabulary - we owe you a great debt and gratitude.
'Working when you want to at home really, we are enormously grateful for that.'
The event was attended by West Norfolk Mayor Carol Bower, who presented awards to volunteers who went the extra mile.
'We really appreciate all that you do to support the police force we couldn't do without you,' she said.
'You save the community an awful lot of money. On behalf of West Norfolk I want to say thank you.'
Mrs Bower said she had been particularly impressed by the cadets, who have policed many of her community events throughout her year as mayor.
She said she has recommended to council leader Brian Long to appoint a mayor's cadet in a civic role from May.
'This will actually be in place if we can organise it between us,' she said. 'The cadets are extremely reliable beyond what we could possibly have expected that we want to do this.'
Quick-thinking cadet
Police cadet Denis Diacenco, 16, helped police locate a young boy who went missing during a busy event.
He was helping patrolling the Fawkes in the Walks fireworks event in November when he noticed a woman struggling to explain to police about her missing eight-year-old grandchild.
'I saw she was speaking Russian so I approached and asked what happened,' Denis said. Denis, who speaks four languages, was able to translate the woman's plea to the police, who were able to find the child 20 minutes later wandering around North Lynn looking for his home, about a mile away.
On why he joined the cadets last year, Denis, who is from South Lynn and attends King's Lynn Academy, said: 'All of my family are police in multiple countries and I find it interesting.
'For me, it's not about the prizes, it's about helping the community and being happy and making someone else happy.
Award winners
Special sergeant Leah Dennis - She will take up the position of police constable after contributing nearly 1,700 hours service as a special constable.
Special constable Carl Goodson - Over the last five years he has contributed a total of more than 3,000 hours with Norfolk Special Constabulary
Special inspector Andy Nederpel - He joined Norfolk Special Constabulary in 2007 and took on the role of special inspector in July 2016.
Cadet Sophie Couzins - She was promoted to deputy lead cadet in 2017.
Cadet Denis Diacenco - He joined the cadets in 2017 and has been described as 'an enthusiastic and well liked addition to the team'.
Cadet Callum Bolt - He was voted by his team to be head cadet for 2017/2018.
Police service volunteers - Alex and Nick Ware, Terry Hipsey and Connor Smalls.
Community speedwatch - Marham Team (most hours), Stanhoe Team (longest-serving) and Outwell, Upwell, Three Holes and Lakes End (best teamwork).
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