Awards for long service

REMARKABLE acts of bravery and long service awards were handed out at a special ceremony.

Police officers, staff and specials in Suffolk - many from Lowestoft - were rewarded with long service awards and commendations during a ceremony held at the county's police headquarters at Martlesham Heath.

High Sheriff James Buckle presented medals to long servers, many clocking up more than 20 years, while chief constable Simon Ash gave out commendations for their dedication.

In total, 24 medals were awarded for long service, with 18 going to police officers, two to police staff and four to specials.

Amongst these was a presentation to PC Rick Mullett, who was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, having served 23 years and is based in Lowestoft as a dog handler.

Eight chief constable commendations were also handed out in recognition of particularly professional or outstanding work along with two court commendations.

Detective inspectors Darrell Skuse, of Lowestoft CID, and Stuart McCallum, of the public protection office, were both recognised for serving the force for more than 22 years.

Husband and wife duo DI Jim Keeble, of Ipswich area intelligence unit, and DC Fiona Keeble, of Lowestoft public protection unit, were also rewarded having served with the force for more than 22 years. DI Keeble is a former detective inspector at Lowestoft, and he will soon be returning to town to become detective chief inspector.

Also honoured, DS Trevor Prior and DCI Rick Munns, were among four officers receiving commendations in recognition of their professionalism and commitment during Operation Shaw, an investigation into the murder of Deborah Townsend, in Beccles, in 2005.

The officers were commended for their leadership and management during an inquiry that lasted three-years and eventually led to the arrest and life imprisonment of her killer Christopher Caunter.