Do you know a police officer who deserves public recognition for their outstanding work in the community?

They may have gone the extra mile to support you after you turned to them for help or may have been working hard in the background of your community for many years.

If so, Isle of Man Newspapers is offering readers the chance to give public recognition for their work.

Nominations have opened for Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer of the Year award.

Deputy editor Andy Dalrymple said: ’Each year we receive a high standard of nominations from residents, groups and schools across the island, which is testament to the dedication and commitment to police officers working here.

’We look forward to hearing more accounts of officers’ excellent work this year.’

We write a story in one of our titles about each officer nominated.

The officer who is awarded the title will receive a trophy at the Chief Constable’s annual awards ceremony, taking place in November.

Constable Tom Duke won the 2020 award.

PC Duke, who has been based in the northern neighbourhood policing team for two years, was nominated by two families from the north of the island.

The first nomination for PC Duke was sent in by the Howard/Brough family of Ramsey.

They wanted to thank him, alongside Detective Constable Emily McLean, for their support to the family through an illness and bereavement.

The family said: ’They both displayed great empathy and great support all while being fantastic police officers so, as a family, we couldn’t think of two people more deserving.’

PC Duke attended an incident in relation to her grandma, who had been diagnosed with vascular dementia.

’She wasn’t very good with new faces but straight away he managed to calm her down and talk to her on her level.

’She instantly became relaxed and was able to explain what was happening.

PC Duke was also nominated by a couple who had a lucky escape after crashing their car on the Mountain Road in icy conditions in January.

Their car was prevented from heading off down a steep drop by fencing. But they were both stuck in the vehicle, which had come to a standstill just off the road.

The driver, who asked to remain anonymous, said: ’We only had a short wait and one of the officers, PC Duke, lifted my wheelchair out so I could escape, and then my husband.

’He arranged for the breakdown truck to collect the car and insisted on taking us home.’

The deadline for nominations is October 22, after which a judging panel at Isle of Man Newspapers will choose the winner.

Officers can be of any rank and those nominated in previous years can be nominated again.

l To nominate an officer send the name of your chosen officer and your reasons for choosing him or her by email to [email protected].

Alternatively write to Community Police Officer of the Year Award, Isle of Man Newspapers, European House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5ED.

Please include your own full name, address and a phone number so we can contact you.