HILLINGDON police officers who have saved lives, caught criminals and gone the extra mile to serve the public were honoured at the annual Borough Commendation ceremony.

Following a challenging year for the Metropolitan Police as a whole, with the borough’s local forces stretched to cover the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, and the service undergoing its biggest shake-up for 35 years, the ceremony was a chance to pay tribute to officers serving the borough who have displayed bravery and dedication in the face of extreme danger, and given that little bit extra when it mattered.

The ceremony, held at RAF Northolt, in West End Road, Ruislip on Monday last week, also recognised members of the public whose selfless actions and co-operation helped police apprehend criminals.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steven Kershaw, who became Hillingdon’s Borough Commander in the summer, said: “Although every day of the year is a celebration of excellence and bravery – as our police officers and police staff strive to make Hillingdon, and indeed the wider London area, a safe place to live and visit – it is this annual awards ceremony which provides us with an opportunity to acknowledge some of the more notable incidents.

“I must acknowledge and thank from the bottom of my heart, the contribution and support given to my team by their long suffering families and other loved ones.”

David Brough, chairman of the Hayes Town Partnership, was at the ceremony to present the accolade for services to Community Safety, named after him, to Sergeant Derek Wheeler, of the Yiewsley Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT), for his work policing Hillingdon Hospital and Brunel University.

Mr Brough said: “It is a privilege to attend the annual commendation ceremony.

“I never cease to be amazed by the inspiring stories of bravery and dedication shown by the officers of Hillingdon Police.

“The residents of the borough are truly fortunate to have such a committed group of people working to keep them safe.”

Read on for some of the tales of a few of the winners on the night...