A DEDICATED team of volunteer police officers has been honoured with a top national award.
Cheshire’s Special Constabulary, made up of approximately 145 volunteer officers who each hold the same powers as regular police, has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service - one of the highest honours groups of volunteers can be awarded with in the UK.
The award acknowledges their ongoing service and impact in supporting frontline policing and protecting communities across the county.
Special Chief Officer Leon Boland said: "To say that we are humbled and incredibly proud to receive the King’s Award for Voluntary Service would be an understatement.
"Across almost 200 years of volunteer policing, countless thousands of people have stepped forward to serve their communities.
"To see Cheshire recognised among such a small and distinguished group is something I find genuinely humbling.
"I have often said that the Special Constabulary is one of policing’s best-kept secrets.
"We have some truly exceptional people doing remarkable things, often without the recognition they deserve.
"This award changes that, and I could not be prouder."
The award makes Cheshire only the fifth Special Constabulary in the UK to be recognised in this way.
Special Constables volunteer more than 50,000 hours each year, responding to incidents, tackling crime, and supporting their full-time colleagues.
They balance their policing duties alongside other commitments such as work, family, and education.
Recently, 45 of Cheshire’s Special Constables have received specialist training in the use of tasers, response driving, and deploying vehicle-stopping equipment such as stingers.
Special Chief Officer Boland offered thanks beyond just the volunteers themselves.
He said: "I also want to thank our regular police officer colleagues, supervisors, staff, leaders and families who support our volunteers.
"Nobody achieves something like this alone.
"To every member of Cheshire Special Constabulary, past and present: this award belongs to you.
"It is recognition of your selflessness, your dedication and your extraordinary contribution to the communities we are privileged to serve."
The award comes as Cheshire Constabulary continues to be recognised nationally for strong performance, including high charge rates and positive outcomes for victims and communities.
Assistant Chief Constable Bill Dutton, the force’s lead for citizens in policing, said: "I would like to thank every member of our Special Constabulary who has contributed their own time in the service of keeping Cheshire, its communities and residents safe.
"They are a highly valued part of our workforce, providing additional resilience, skills and community insight that strengthens our ability to protect the public.
"Special Constables also play a vital role in the wider policing of our county and are, often, the first officers on the scene to unfolding incidents and routinely put themselves in the path of danger whilst circumstances are being established."
Last year, Cheshire’s Special Constabulary responded as first officers to more than 2,500 emergency incidents.
Assistant Chief Constable Dutton said the award highlights their "exceptional efforts and dedication."
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