Karen recognised as outstanding PCSO of the yearTALKING down a suicidal woman off a motorway bridge, offering lifesaving CPR and detaining a violent offender are just some of the actions recognised at a recent Chief Constable Commendation ceremony.

Officers, staff and members of the public were recognised for their brave and courageous actions along with awards for long service and good conduct as well as recognising PCSO of the year.

PCSO Karen Phillips, was awarded Police Community Support Officer of the Year, for her outstanding dedication and commitment to the role. Karen joined Surrey Police as part of the Surrey Together Scheme focusing on teenagers in 2006, from there she became the PCSO for Wrecclesham, The Bourne and Rowledge.

She has been described as a “very reassuring” presence in Farnham and the surrounding villages and for being “very supportive” to her colleagues, always providing the best level of service, by using common sense, empathy, a good sense of humour and a no nonsense approach.

This year, she found herself dealing with the victim of a sexual assault, because she was the only officer the victim would talk to. She is very passionate about Neighbourhood Watch and has set up over 70 different watches in her area.

Her superb memory for names and faces has contributed to a high number of arrests and detections, making her the first port of call if someone needs to be identified from CCTV.

Comments from those who know Karen included “Karen has the ability to engage with every age range. If you have a problem she endeavours, and normally succeeds, to get to the bottom of it. She then relays to you what action is going to be taken”.

Another commented that Karen is “dedicated to her role which has expanded over the years and whatever she has to deal with she does so in a most professional way and with the great understanding to always see both sides of the story”.

A/Police Sergeant Huw Miles, Pc Ben Wisdom and Colin Sermons were awarded a Chief Constable’s commendation for their prompt actions to save the life of a suicidal female from Frensham.

A call came into Switchboard at Surrey Police in June, which was received by Colin Sermons. The caller simply said one line that she was going to kill herself and then hung up. Colin did not disregard this quick call having had a feeling this was not a hoax call, but had the presence of mind to pass it to the contact centre handler who then dispatched officers to the location.

Acting Police Sergeant Huw Miles was first to arrive on scene, he forced entry into the property and found the vulnerable female hanging in the stairwell of her home. Huw attempted to lift the female to alleviate the weight on her neck, but this became difficult due to her stature. Police Constable Ben Wisdom arrived shortly afterwards, and between them they managed to cut her down and stop her from falling down the stairs.

Both officers commenced CPR and continued this until the ambulance crew arrived, and took over the medical care. Using a defibrillator the female started to breathe for herself. Colin’s quick response and the actions of Huw and Ben undoubtedly saved the life of a vulnerable women.

The Chief’s Commendation Ceremony was held at The Refectory at Guildford Cathedral on Thursday, September 24.