THE outstanding contribution Beer and Branscombe s local policeman has given to the community was recognised last week. PC Steve Speariett, a Branscombe resident and Neighbourhood Beat Officer for Seaton Rural, was presented with a long service and goo

THE "outstanding" contribution Beer and Branscombe's local policeman has given to the community was recognised last week.

PC Steve Speariett, a Branscombe resident and Neighbourhood Beat Officer for Seaton Rural, was presented with a long service and good conduct award by Chief Constable Stephen Otter and High Sheriff of Cornwall, Iain Mackie, at a special ceremony in Saltash on Thursday, April 2.

In a citation, read out at the ceremony, Sergant Gary Phillips, of Seaton Police, praised PC Speariett, particularly for his actions after the MSC Napoli disaster.

He said: "Steve worked tirelessly for weeks on end in his efforts to minimise the adverse impact on his community and to restore normality to the tranquil village of Branscombe.

"I witnessed first hand his professionalism, dedication, outstanding communication skills, his clarity of thought under pressure, patience, and his passion for serving his community during this period."

But modest PC Speariett said: "It was an honour to receive it although I don't do the job for recognition. It's something you can pass onto your children and I feel very proud to have worked for 22 years in the police. I look forward to serving the community for the remaining years of my career.

"I would like to thank my wife and family for putting up with my shift work and when I come home in a bad mood. They should get an award!"

PC Speariett named one of the highlights of his career as working in the riots of Hartcliffe in Bristol, in which a petrol bomb was thrown at him.

"Although it was very frightening and scary, it builds camaraderie with work colleagues. It's a mixed bag of emotions, working as a team and trying to protect members of the public who want to hurt you."

In the line of duty he broke his foot when he was chasing a suspect and vaulted over a wall to find an eight foot drop the other side, and he was awarded a Chief Constable's Commendation when he disarmed a man with a knife through negotiation.

Other memorable moments he said, include being dragged along by stolen cars and being threatened with a knife. However his passion for the job has remained through thick and thin.

He added: "As a neighbourhood team I feel we have a good working relationship with the majority of residents. We get a nice return when people express their gratitude for the work that we do."

.