Two police officers who supported a family through an illness and bereavement are the first to be nominated in Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer of the Year award.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Laura 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.
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’This horrible disease is not only tough on the person itself, it is also very tough on the family,’ she said.
’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.
’He even talked to her in the hospital when she was an in-patient when visiting somebody else.’
Later in the year, police had further involvement with the family following the death of Laura’s brother Chris Howard.
’Emily went above and beyond to support us, she was of constant assistance,’ she said.
’She helped us get through a character statement, often allowing us to stop to gather our thoughts or have a cry and allowing us to be humans that grieve.
’Never once did it feel like we were talking to a police officer. She was a huge comfort.’
She added: ’Emily made sure everything was done at our pace and if we had questions she would do her absolute best to get us answers. Without her we would have struggled a lot more than we already were.’
She continued: ’Since then, herself and Tom have been very friendly faces often checking in to see how we are doing as a family.’
PC Duke joined the constabulary as a regular officer in September 2016 after two years as a special constable.
He said the role sees him working with members of the public suffering with their mental health, illness and ’just generally in the darkest parts of their lives’.
’I am a firm believer in treat ing others how you would wish to be treated and I stick to that when doing my job,’ he said.
’When members of the public contact the police they are at a complete loss, not knowing who else to call.
’I will be the first to say I don’t always have the answer or the means to help how they hoped but I will always do my best to help and support them.’
He said it was humbling to be nominated and he praised the island’s ’great team of officers’.
DC McLean has been a police officer for 13 years, mostly with the central neighbourhood policing team. Last year she worked for five months as a northern community officer for five months, partnered with PC Duke.
She now works in the criminal investigation team based at police headquarters.
’Having read the nomination by the Howard family, I feel very honoured that they would nominate me.
’As a police officer I sometimes unfortunately have to give people news that they never want to hear.
’If I can help them in any small way then I’m willing to do so. A large part of my job is about helping people and I would like to think that I treat everyone with respect.
’At the end of the day the people we meet on a daily basis are just the same as us and some day we may be the one who needs someone else’s help.’
â?¢ To make a nomination, send the name of your chosen officer and your reasons for choosing him or her to [email protected] or write to Community Police Officer of the Year Award, Isle of Man Newspapers, European House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5ED.
They can be of any rank.
The deadline for nominations is March 4. The winner will receive a trophy at the Chief Constable’s annual awards ceremony.
Please include your own full name, address and a phone number so we can contact you.