Award for special police constable Steve Cook after river rescue drama

A Shepton Mallet special police constable has been singled out for his bravery after saving a man from a freezing river.

Volunteer policeman Steve Cook, aged 51, was given one of the highest awards possible after throwing himself into the river to save the man last month.

Mr Cook received the Sandy Padgett Trophy – in memory of the late Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett – for the officer who had shown the highest level of commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to their role and to their colleagues.

The presentation came at the Avon and Somerset Policing Awards.

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Officers and volunteers from East Somerset were recognised for their hard work and achievements at the ceremony.

The event was held to celebrate the work of the Special Constabulary and police volunteers and pay tribute to the hundreds of hours of their time they give to supporting the work of the police.

The ceremony also recognised the efforts of regular officers, who were nominated for awards by both specials and regular officers.

The event was attended by MP David Heath, Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, senior officers from the district.

The awards presented included awards for officer, PCSO and Mendip and South Somerset team of the year as well as special constable and volunteer of the year.

Mr Cook received his award for all the work he had put in over the past year, from district commander Chief Superintendent Nikki Watson

Chief Supt Nikki Watson said: "All these awards are very well deserved and I would like to congratulate all the recipients."

She added: "Every day of the year, police officers, PCSOs, Special Constables, volunteers and police staff work tirelessly to prevent crime, catch offenders and make the streets and communities of Avon and Somerset safer places to live and work in.

"We can't recognise and reward everyone unfortunately but I am delighted that we have been able to highlight just some of the teams and individuals from the district to thank them for the fantastic work they do."

Speaking after the event, Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: "I would like to congratulate all the winners.

"They deserve the recognition for their extraordinary effort and should be really proud of their achievements.

"I would like to pay particular attention to Special Constabulary winners and to say thank you to the volunteers who work hard across the police district every day, who provide the highest levels of professionalism and customer care."