POLICE ‘handyperson’ Shane Eckley, from Minehead, has been recognised in Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s annual outstanding policing awards.
Shane took the award for ‘Police Staff Member of the Year’ which was presented during an awards evening in Aerospace Bristol hosted by ITV news presenter Alex Lovell.
A spokesperson for Minehead’s neighbourhood policing team said: “Shane is a vital member of the estates and facilities team, going above and beyond to ensure police stations run smoothly.
“His work maintaining buildings and vehicles allows officers and staff to focus on their roles without disruption.
“Recently, he played a key role in the transition to the new Minehead Police Station.
“Always willing to help, Shane’s dedication, hard work, and kindness have made a lasting impact on his colleagues.”
The annual policing awards recognise ‘exceptional’ officers, staff, specials, and volunteers who go ‘above and beyond’ to support their colleagues and protect their communities.
Chief Constable, Sarah Crew said: “The outstanding policing awards are a brilliant opportunity every year to celebrate outstanding, extraordinary police work.
“The police work done by the people who have been nominated, the finalists, the winners that we celebrate here tonight.
“It made me feel inspired, humbled, hugely proud, really privileged to be Chief Constable and serve alongside such people who do such extraordinary things.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said: “There is so much to celebrate, recognising the commitment that goes above and beyond.
“It is so valuable for me, for the people of Avon and Somerset, that we actually stand up, we take a moment, and we recognise and acknowledge those outstanding police that in many ways are an example of policing as a whole but have just gone that little bit further.”
The Minehead neighbourhood policing team moved into its new station in Stephenson Road last November.