Kensington and Chelsea Police and members of the public have been honoured for their bravery and dedication this year.

The group of 34 received commendations at Kensington Town Hall on October 24 from borough commander Chief Superintendent Ellie O’Connor .

PC Ben Palastanga, ward officer for the Kensington Neighbourhood Policing team, was named officer of the year for his work within the community which includes providing support to sex workers, with regular co-ordinated brothel visits and speaking to landlords where leases are breached.

He was praised for his community reassurance work following the murder of a local prostitute and his continual engagement with businesses and residents.

PC Palastanga was also sent a personal letter of thanks for his work from Met chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.

Ch Supt Ellie O’Connor said: “His standard of work and delivery has consistently remained of a high quality. He is an enthusiastic, competent and professional officer. He is a credit to the team and his self-motivation and perseverance have benefited the community and his colleagues alike.”

Ch Supt Ellie O'Connor with officer of the year Ben Palastanga

PC Gerard Cooney took the title of pro-active officer of the year for his contributions which included 58 stop and searches this year resulting in 22 arrests, mostly for serious offences such as drug dealing and knife related crime. He also has had no complaints about using stop and search.

Awards were also given to officers who have been outstanding during their day-to-day work including apprehending violent offenders as well as tenacity during investigations to bring offenders to justice.

Two members of the public, Joseph Thama and Michael Walsh, were awarded for ‘outstanding bravery and selflessness’ for intervening after an elderly woman was violently attacked in Ladbroke Grove in February, which led to her attacker being arrested and jailed for two years with a recommendation for deportation.

Ch Supt O’Connor, added: “Those who receive an award have every right to feel extremely proud of their achievement. Police officers and Police Community Support Officers in London have a difficult and sometimes dangerous role to fulfil every day; they put their lives on the line to serve and protect the public.

“This commendation ceremony is about recognising a small part of what officers deal with. Every day there is outstanding work in fighting crime, looking after victims and protecting communities.”