GMP’s Long Service, Retirement and Awards Ceremony returns

GMP’s latest Long Service, Retirement and Awards Ceremony was held at Hough End on Monday 27 March 2023. The ceremony celebrates officers and staff for their outstanding contributions in keeping the streets of Greater Manchester safe for those who live and work here.

Those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect and serve our communities were recognised for their efforts.

The awards ceremony also saw Chief Constable Commendations presented to worthy recipients and certificates presented to retirees in recognition of their long and dedicated service to the force and the people of Greater Manchester.

The winners – awarded by Chief Constable Stephen Watson, are as follows:

Chief Constable Commendation - Tanya O’Meara

Whilst on holiday, Tanya became suspicious of a man taking photos of children around the pool. She raised her concerns with the hotel staff but received no support. Still not happy, Tanya discreetly took a photo of him. When back at work Tanya spoke with colleagues about her concerns, and they ran his photo through our systems. It came back as a positive match for a registered sex offender in Surrey. Tanya contacted the force and made a report explaining her concerns, and this resulted in him being arrested for breach of his court order. Despite being on holiday and having her concerns dismissed, Tanya pursued the matter in a pursuit for justice.

Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, 20 years’ service:

Sergeant Andrew Speake spent his entire police career on the frontline at Tameside. Following his promotion to Sergeant, he continued to act in response, and he is one of the most respected and experienced officers at Tameside.

Special Constabulary Long Service and Good Conduct Medals, nine years’ service - Special Sergeant Matthew Parsonage who joined GMP in August 2013 has been a Special Constable at Trafford ever since. His biggest achievement to date is becoming one of only a handful of Specials to have undertaken and passed the three-week Standard Driving Course.

Staff Long Service Awards, 30 years’ service:

Angela Whittaker works in the Economic Crime Unit’s Account Freezing Order Team and has worked in numerous roles throughout her career and helped identify the vehicle used in the Arndale Centre bombing by sifting through thousands of paper records for white vans. In the past three years, Angela has worked in the new Account Freezing Order Team reviewing and processing financial intelligence, and she has been an integral part in the successful forfeiture of over £16 million from criminals and the return of over £8 million to victims.

Staff and PCSO Long Service Awards, 20 years’ service:

Carole Clarke in the Central Ticket Office Team began her career within GMP as a Traffic Warden, based at Bootle Street. She always goes the extra mile and has the tenacity to deal with ideas from the beginning right through to implementation. It was these qualities that earned her the accolade of Staff Member of the Year 2016.

FCCO Hub Supervisor Sheila Cunningham has committed her whole GMP career to the FCCO. She began as a Switchboard Operator and is now a Hub Supervisor. Sheila has continually worked hard to improve services while sustaining a 100 per cent attendance record.

Derek Fitton is on one of our security team at Sedgley Park, GMP’s training centre and is known by all staff around the site and visitors alike. His work keeps everyone safe. Overall, his timekeeping and attendance are excellent.

PCSO Ian Jackson has worked in the Ashton Neighbourhood Team for his full 20-year career and has a wealth of knowledge about his area and is the ‘go to’ person for any information his colleagues and partners in the community require.

PCSO Angela Meah was one of the first PCSOs within GMP. She has spent her service working in the North Manchester area of GMP and now works as part of Harpurhey’s Neighbourhood Team. She is known for helping local residents with issues, such as anti-social behaviour and assisting vulnerable residents with day-to-day jobs.

Police Officer receives top award for a heroic act of bravery whilst off duty

The John Egerton Trophy is awarded annually to an officer or officers who have performed the most meritorious act of valour during the year.

This year, PC Paul Spinks has been awarded the John Egerton Trophy.

The trophy is named after Constable John Egerton, who was just 20 years of age, when he was killed whilst carrying out his duty in Farnworth.

The tragic loss of a young and courageous officer prompted a generous response from people throughout the country. This included students at the Police Training Centre, Bruche, who presented a commemorative Cup to the Chief Constable – to be known as The John Egerton Trophy.

The Police Federation choose the recipients of the trophy each year and John’s family and former colleagues were at the awards to witness the ceremony and his sister, Pamela, was invited to the stage to help present the award.    

Whilst off duty, PC Paul Spinks witnessed a man waving around a machete. Aware that there was a school nearby and, as it was 9am, lots of people were around, Paul knew he had to act.

After ringing the control room and making them aware, Paul guided the public away and proceeded to approach the man.

He tried to reason with him to drop the weapon, but the man was in such an agitated state that this was not possible.

Paul – in plain clothes and with no body armour – bravely decided to tackle the man, and a struggle ensued. Paul disarmed him, and colleagues arrived shortly after to assist with the arrest. Brave actions indeed from one of our constables who the force is very proud to call a GMP officer.

PC Spinks said: "I am both humbled and honoured to have received the John Egerton Trophy for Bravery.

“The safety of the public was paramount, and I took action to detain the man to prevent any injuries to any other person.

“At the time, protecting others was my priority and accepting the risk posed to myself.

“Knives have no place within our communities and taking a knife off the street is one less in the right direction."