Merseyside Police presented merit award for response to Coronavirus pandemic

Merseyside’s outgoing Police Commissioner has presented Merseyside Police with a merit award to recognise the Force’s response to the global Coronavirus pandemic.

Jane Kennedy, whose term of office officially ended yesterday (Wednesday 12^th May) presented the award to the Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, who received it on behalf of the entire Force.

The award recognises the “fortitude, professionalism and determination” of the officers and staff of Merseyside Police to meet the challenges of the pandemic head-on, without regard for the potential risk to their own health and wellbeing.

Jane said:

“As one of my final acts as Police Commissioner, I am extremely proud to present the officers and staff, through the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, this merit award for their conduct, professionalism and resilience during the global Coronavirus pandemic.

“During the unprecedented challenges of 2020/21, the public looked to the police to keep their services running and to maintain order.

“This year more than ever before, the men and women of Merseyside Police have been asked to go above and beyond the normal call of duty in many aspects of their work to protect the public, enforcing regulations which have restricted people’s freedoms and liberties in an unprecedented way.

“Merseyside Police’s officers and staff took immediate and decisive action to put the communities of Merseyside first by keeping people safe, continuing to tackle crime and to find solutions to problems brought about by the pandemic.

“The whole Force showed compassion, resilience and professionalism during a time of exceptional uncertainty and fear. Meeting those challenges head on, with fortitude, professionalism and determination, despite the potential risk to their own health and wellbeing.

“The Force’s admirable response and the willingness of officers and staff to go the extra mile to protect, care and support local people provided me and the public with great reassurance.

“Such conduct, demonstrated at every level and in all departments, is recognised and appreciated by the public of Merseyside and I, in turn, am honoured to present this award on their behalf to Merseyside Police for meritorious conduct.”

Merseyside Police’s Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said:

“I am delighted to receive this Merit Award on behalf of the Force to recognise the hard work and commitment that the whole force including our volunteers and Specials, all of whom have worked incredibly hard and demonstrated our absolute commitment to putting our communities first.”