CNC chief inspector receives special long-service award for 'remarkable' 50 years in policing

Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said it was an achievement “so rare” that there is no formal recognition but it deserved to be highlighted.

He presented the award to Chief Insp Edwards at the CNC’s annual Chief Constable’s Presentation Evening held last week.

Mr Chesterman said: “Steve’s policing career spans over 50 years, a remarkable testament to his dedication and service. Throughout this time, he has held a wide range of operational and leadership roles, leaving a lasting mark across multiple areas of policing.

“Steve’s extraordinary career, professionalism, and unwavering commitment over five decades has shaped colleagues, operations, and the organisation itself. Tonight, we recognise and thank you for your 50 years of outstanding service.”

The annual event is a celebration of remarkable individuals. Representatives from across the force, the Civil Nuclear Police Authority (CNPA), and family members gathered to honour accomplishments, share inspirational stories, and reflect on the very best of the organisation.

The event formed part of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the CNC.

Opening the ceremony, Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith said: “Over the past two decades, our organisation has evolved significantly, and our people have been at the heart of that change, shaping the CNC into the professional and dedicated force it is today.”

During the event, Mr Chesterman formally recognised the outstanding achievements and long service of officers and police staff.

The night also provided an opportunity to say a “fond farewell” to two long-serving members of the CNC team, as Chief Superintendent Tim Needham and Chief Superintendent Kevin Carter celebrated their retirement from the force.

The Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was instituted under Royal Warrant by King George VI in June 1951 and is awarded as a mark of the Sovereign’s appreciation of long and meritorious service rendered by members of the police forces of the UK. The qualification criteria which the chief constable is required to verify in order that officers are eligible for this award are that:

• The officer has been a serving member of a police force for a period of 20 years (a singular force or aggregated service across more than one force);
• That the officer has served efficiently for the qualifying period; and
• That the officer’s character has been very good.

The award was originally made for 22 years’ service, but this was reduced to 20 years in 2010 by Her late Majesty the Queen.

In March 2022, the Royal Warrant was further updated by Her late Majesty the Queen to grant clasps to officers who completed a further ten and 20 years of long service. This change reflected the longer service of police officers following pension changes and sought to recognise their extended service.

The Police Staff Long Service and Good Conduct Commemorative Coin was instituted by Mr Chesterman for the CNC in 2019, as a mark of appreciation for long service, the qualification criteria are the same as that for the Medal.

Police Officer 20 Years’ Long Service and Good Conduct

Detective Constable Nicola Golledge

Constable Dean Foster

Constable Robert Hyatt

Constable Natalie Flower

Constable Kevin Scanlan

Constable Michael Peers

Sergeant Richard McWhirr

Sergeant Dale Selley

Sergeant Brian Derbyshire

Sergeant Richard Webb

Sergeant Darren Adams

Sergeant David Whitlock

Inspector Emily Cole

Inspector Andrew Ireland

T/Chief Inspector Nat Hammel

T/Chief Inspector Lorraine Jay

Chief Inspector Jamie Thorne

Police Staff 20 Years’ Dedicated Service

Lucy Stallard-Symons

Victoria Bartlett

Assistant Chief Officer Richard Cawdron

Jules Jones

Recognition of a Distinguished Career in Policing

Chief Superintendent Tim Needham

Chief Superintendent Kevin Carter

Police Officer 30 Years’ Long Service and Good Conduct

Constable Kevin Lawrence

Sergeant Adam Anderson-Cole

Police Officer 40 Years’ Long Service and Good Conduct

Chief Inspector Hazel Deans

Police Officer 50 Years’ Long Service (Special Award)

Chief Inspector Steven Edwards