AFTER four decades of service to the Wiltshire Police Force a Devizes officer has spoke of his delight at being recognised for his work at the Wiltshire Police force awards.

Robert Young, who joined the force at the age of 18 in 1976, was one of 27 recipients to receive accolades for their outstanding service and bravery at Bradford on Avon's Cumberwell Park last Thursday (September 15).

Mr Young was joined by Devizes stationed officers PC Christopher Palframan and Stephen Price for the Chief Constable's Certificate of Commendation, while Shaan Waite and Malborough's DC Kate Martin earned the Chief Constable's Certificate of Excellence prize.

Mr Young, who has served in the force for 40 years, said: "It means so much to me to get this. I have had a fantastic career and I am still working so it is not over just yet.

"I joined back in 1976 at the age of 18 and it is almost a different world these days. There have been huge changes since I started, the pressure is greater and the public scrutiny is more intense, but you just have to adapt and get on with it.

"I had no idea I would get this accolade. It was a work colleague who put me forward, so it was a huge surprise. My family were just overjoyed at the news, as was I."

PC Palframan was honoured for his work as part of a team credited with saving two lives after an incident in Royal Wootton Bassett in January, where they were confronted by a man waving a large carving knife, who was threatening the life of his housemate and who had also taken an overdose.

The team spent time talking to both men before deciding to resolve the situation, and detained, disarmed and handcuffed the man.

PC Price received his award for becoming what was described as 'essentially a one-man enquiry team' for Operation Starling, a four-year investigation into a multi-handed, multi-million pound conspiracy to steal and launder money relating to telecommunications equipment.

As well as handing out awards to officers and civilian staff, Chief Constable Mike Veale also honoured members of the public, including Bethanna Branston, from Marlborough, who received both a Wiltshire Police award and a Royal Humane Society award after she stepped forward to save the life of a man who collapsed at Swindon bus station.

Carer Miss Branston, of Cherry Orchard, sprang into action when she arrived in the bus station on Carfax Close, last September and saw the man lying on the floor. She saved his life by carrying out CPR.

At the time she said: “People were just looking at him, no one thought to call 999 or anything. I suppose the adrenaline just kicked in. If I had walked by I would never have been able to forgive myself and in turn I saved a life.”

Other awards handed out were the Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition, Long Service and Good Conduct Awards; Outstanding Teamwork Awards, Assistant Chief Constables Certificate of Recognition and Judges’ Commendation.

Former High Sheriff Lady Gooch, who received Chief Constable’s Certificate of Recognition, said: "The little contribution I have made is insignificant to the work of the people here today who work tirelessly day in and day out serving their communities. It is a source of huge pride to be receive this and I thank you all."

Chief Constable Mike Veale added: "Almost every day I hear about the fantastic work the Wiltshire police force puts in. Your acts of courage and kindness are something to be proud of.

"Stories like we have heard tonight reminds me why I joined the police force, way back in 1984. It is incredibly uplifting and for that I thank you all."