TWO south Wiltshire police officers have been recognised with long service awards.
The Wiltshire Police Awards held earlier this month recognised the bravery, skill and dedication of its officers and staff.
It was the first time since the pandemic that the ceremony, which took place at Chalk Barn near Pewsey, was held in person.
Detective Sergeant Martin Faulkner, of Salisbury CID, was presented with a long service award.
Martin’s first experience of the police was in 1998 when he was caught speeding up Black Dog Hill in his souped-up Renault 19.
After an appearance in court, a hefty fine and points on his licence, he realised that he wanted to join the police.
In August 2001, Martin then moved to Warminster police where he spent five years as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Team before moving to the Local Crime Team at Melksham.
After becoming a Sergeant, he moved to CID and then joined the Priority Crime Team - later moving back to Trowbridge CID then to Salisbury CID where he was promoted to sergeant.
After four years, Martin then moved to Salisbury CID and his current role, leading a small team of four detective constables.
Also among the long service award recipients was Inspector Ricky Lee, who has worked in Salisbury and south Wiltshire during his career.
He joined Wiltshire Police in May 2001 after leaving the Royal Green Jackets after eight years of service.
Ricky’s first posting at Wiltshire Police was at Tidworth, where he received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for disarming a man with a knife.
After his two-year probation, Ricky moved to Salisbury Police Station and when he passed the sergeant exam was posted to Marlborough before moving to a role in Salisbury custody and later Amesbury where he took his inspector’s exam.
After passing his inspector’s exam and being promoted to County Duty Inspector, Ricky remained in Amesbury.
However, after gaining his Initial Tactical Firearms Commanders' Course, he was posted to the Control Room as Force Incident Manager where he stayed for two and a half years. He has recently been posted back to County Duty Inspector.
He has also been trained as a Public Order Commander, Post Incident Manager, Counter Terrorist Search Officer and Tactical Firearms Commander.
At the launch, Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Tonight, is one of the highlights of being the Chief of our force – It is a huge privilege for me to join you and your families and loved ones and say thank you for the outstanding contributions you have made to policing our communities.
"Policing is about going the extra mile and about giving it your all to protect people, prevent crime, deliver justice for victims and to safeguard people who are vulnerable to risk.
"Many take up this vocation, knowing the risks and dangers, yet freely commit themselves to protect others. It is a truly unique profession and I have a great deal of respect for all who commit to their role in policing.
"Crime is becoming more complex, public expectations are rising, and the new pressures on society, means that as a Force we are more than ever in demand. Tonight is a great example of those taking pride in their roles, going that extra mile and doing what is right.
"You’ll hear incredible stories of courage and quick-thinking in the face of enormous danger.
"You’ll hear examples of outstanding teamwork, dedication to duty and long service.
"I am hugely proud of you all and everyone across our force. I have the utmost respect for you and for what you do. I want to congratulate everyone receiving an award here tonight.”
The ceremony was also attended by the county's Police and Commissioner Philip Wilkinson and Deputy PCC Russell Holland alongside Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire William Wyldbore-Smith and High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Lady Lansdowne.
Get more Salisbury news.
You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date, as well as signing up for one of our newsletters.
If you want online news with fewer ads, unlimited access and reader rewards - plus a chance to support our local journalism - find out more about registering or a digital subscription.
Email newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, pictures, letters and news stories.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here