POLICE officers who responded to the horrific murders of West Somerset teacher Stephen Chapple and his wife Jennifer have been honoured for their work that night.
Chief Constable Sarah Crew said it had been ‘a horrifying situation’ which had a ‘huge psychological impact’ on the officers involved.
Mr and Mrs Chapple were stabbed to death in their living room by next-door neighbour Collin Reeves while their two young children were upstairs asleep in bed.
Reeves was convicted in Bristol Crown Court of the November, 2021, double murder and given a life sentence with the judge ordering he should serve a minimum of 38 years.
Now, four of the officers who were among the first on the scene, PCs Sylwia Bleach, Claire Coles, and Robert Dibble, and Sgt Nicholas Cooke, have been awarded Royal Humane Society Awards for acts of bravery in attempting to save human life.
Chief Constable Commendations in recognition of outstanding courage and policing were also awarded to PCs Billy Collin, Naomi Binding, Brett Freeman, and Charlette Faulkner, and Det Sgt Rachel Walls, and DC Tony Davis.
The officers responded together with armed police after Reeves made a 999 call in which he said he had stabbed his neighbours.
Ms Crew said the officers found Mr and Mrs Chapple inside their house suffering from multiple serious injuries and immediately began First Aid and chest compressions in an effort to save the lives of the couple.
She said two officers who were maintaining the scene outside the house in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, were then approached by Reeves and his father, ‘who was displaying very aggressive behaviour’.
They acted swiftly to arrest the suspect and secure the scene.
Ms Crew said Det Sgt Walls arrived on scene and showed great leadership, taking control and assisting officers to safeguard and remove the couple’s children from the house without them witnessing the scene.
She said: “Officers carried out local inquiries and worked through the night to capture pivotal witness accounts, which were instrumental in the investigation that followed.
“The incident, while having a significant impact on the family and the community, also had a huge psychological impact on the officers involved, who displayed extreme courage in the face of such a horrifying situation.”
They were among a total of 66 people recognised by Avon and Somerset Police for outstanding policing, good work, and ‘making a difference to our communities’.
As well as police officers, awards went to police staff, civilians, and a St John’s Ambulance first responder.
Their actions ranged from lifesaving acts of bravery and quick-thinking in dangerous situations, to tenacious investigations and a relentless desire to protect communities.
The Royal Humane Society Award is a national honour for acts of bravery while saving human life, or in attempt to do so, and the Chief Constable’s Commendation is for significant personal courage or significant initiative and/or commitment in the execution of duty far and beyond what should normally be expected.
The incidents for which the awards were made included recovering a passenger and unconscious driver from a car which had crashed into a body of water while driving under the influence, intervening and saving the life of a man who had made a 999 call saying he was going to end his life while driving on the motorway, and demonstrating rigorous dedication in the face of some difficult challenges.
Ms Crew said: “I am immensely proud of all of those who have been recognised for their incredible commitment to policing and protecting our communities.
“The stories shared show outstanding innovation, openness to learn, and courage to confront some incredibly difficult situations and uncomfortable truths.
“Our officers and staff see some of the worst of society, and I am so proud of everything they cope with day in day out, let alone these extraordinary examples of when they have gone above and beyond their duty.”
The Chief Constable was accompanied at the presentations by Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford, High Sheriff of Somerset Jennifer Duke, and representatives from Unison and Avon and Somerset Police Federation Branch.
Mr Shelford said: “Day in and day out, officers, staff, and volunteers show tremendous commitment and courage and it is important that we recognise and celebrate their work. Thank you from myself, my team, and your communities.”