Earlier this evening I attended the Merseyside Police Awards ceremony in the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool.  Also present for Wirral were Cllr Mrs Kate Wood and Mrs Frances Street.

It was a remarkable ceremony in magnificent surroundings.  The whole of the Merseyside Police Service was represented.  Awards were won across all of Merseyside’s Basic Command Units and from central units that cross all BCU borders. 

The Wirral Basic Command Unit won so many awards that it was difficult not to blush; and that is a great commendation to the senior officers, the operational police, and (let’s not forget them) the non uniformed police support staff.  Well done Wirral cops!  Again!

There was a sad minute’s silence in commemoration of several police who died in service.  Combined with the bravery awards this did bring home just something of the risks taken on our behalf by serving officers. 

The event ended with a telling comment from the Acting Chief Constable who reminded the gathering that the real winners are the people of Merseyside whose lives have been made much safer by the unstinting work of a highly dedicated police service.