A ceremony was held on 23 September near Grantham as a moment for Lincolnshire Police to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work across the force.
Chief Constable Paul Gibson hosted the awards. He said, “It is a privilege to celebrate the exceptional achievements of people whose dedication and commitment make a real difference to our force and the communities we serve. The past year has not been without its challenges. We have continued to face significant pressures, requiring resilience, flexibility and determination from teams across the organisation. Throughout this period, our officers, staff and volunteers have remained committed to serving the public with professionalism, integrity and compassion.
“The past year has also introduced huge opportunities. Securing extra funding for the force and embarking on an ambitious three-year programme of investment, Lincs 2030, I feel great optimism for the future of the force and the ongoing drive to deliver the very best services to prevent and attack criminality, care for victims, protect children and vulnerable people and build confidence with the communities we serve. Our people are key to that optimism and the stories we heard at this ceremony make me feel confident that we have a proud, capable and professional work force that will take us from strength to strength.
“This ceremony is an opportunity to acknowledge the people whose contribution has gone above and beyond. Every award winner has demonstrated the very best of Lincolnshire Police and each one is a powerful reminder of the difference our people make and the values that unite us. Whether through exceptional operational policing, tireless support behind the scenes, innovative problem-solving or inspiring leadership, their efforts have made a positive difference to our communities and exemplified the very best of public service.”
The ceremony, held at the Arena UK, was attended by invited guests, award winners, highly commended individuals, and their loved ones. Winners were selected by panels of judges who considered nominations made by colleagues and partner organisations. Award categories recognised investigative work, leadership, young people, victim care, voluntary work and other outstanding contributions to Lincolnshire Police and our communities.
The evening included a presentation from guest speaker Chas Tibble from the Skegness and Mablethorpe RNLI – one of the chosen charities for the event alongside the MS Society Lincoln and District Group. A raffle was held raising much needed funds for these worthy causes and the force expresses gratitude to all local businesses and partners who kindly donated prizes.
Lincolnshire Police also offers sincere thanks to R-Health who sponsored the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award and also Black Rainbow and Niche RMS who also provided sponsorship.
Three Boston based officers were among the award winners.
Investigator of the Year: DC Chad Birch (based at Boston)
DC Chad Birch’s arrival in Boston CID was described as a breath of fresh air. He didn’t quietly assume the accepted practices in the department, he brought new ideas and boundless enthusiasm for getting results.
Two notable achievements came in the space of just two months. The first being Chad’s dedicated efforts following reports of indecent exposure. Through diligent analysis, Chad identified key details and a pattern to the offences leading him to a van matching the description. This meticulous approach coupled with Chad’s determination led to the swift arrest of a suspect.
The second example of Chad’s exemplary work relates to a robbery in which three victims were tied up and jewellery was stolen. Chad scoured the evidence, first to trace a vehicle, and then to identify two offenders who have subsequently pleaded guilty at court.
Chad’s relentless pursuit of suspects, and his talent for building rapport with victims, is helping to secure justice and keep Lincolnshire safe.
Victim Care Award: DC Helen Wood (based at Boston)
With exceptional care, dedication and professionalism, DC Helen Wood has an outstanding ability to build trust and confidence with victims, including those who are initially reluctant to engage.
With genuine concern and a reassuring manner, she helps victims feel safe. She seeks to understand each person’s circumstances and consistently goes the extra mile to ensure they receive the support they need.
Her care extends to seeking ways to reduce the impact of criminal justice processes on victims but at the same time ensuring that their voices are heard, securing support for them to give evidence.
Working within one of the most challenging areas of policing, Helen supports some of the most vulnerable members of the community at some of the most difficult times in their lives, always treating them with dignity and compassion. Despite the challenges, Helen remains steadfastly determined to secure the best possible support and outcomes and the difference she makes can be life-changing for victims.
Copper’s Copper: PC Joshua Fulker (based at Boston)
PC Joshua Fulker commands the highest levels of respect from colleagues, supervisors and victims alike.
In the face of the challenging incidents encountered on response, his constant professionalism and calm approach often deescalates situations, preventing violence and keeping officers and the public safe.
Joshua inspires trust, not only from peers and the public, but from suspects, who are known to hand themselves into him when he is on duty.
One of the most experienced officers at Boston, he is always keen and willing to share his knowledge and offer guidance. As a tutor, he acts as a shining example to his tutees of what they should aspire to become.
Unafraid to challenge behaviour when required, he does so in a fair, constructive and supportive way maintaining the admiration and regard that is universally held for him.
Joshua embodies the true spirit of policing demonstrating camaraderie, dedication, and unwavering commitment making him the ultimate Copper’s Copper.
Other officers who were award recipients on the night include:
Inspirational Leadership Award: Rachel Betts (based at HQ)
This award celebrates the exceptional dedication, strategic insight and positive impact that Rachel Betts has on our entire organisation.
Rachel inspires trust, leading with authenticity and honesty. She has faced significant challenges over the last year, delivering difficult messages with kindness, empathy and confidence, and her presence has been a steady source of reassurance.
Rachel is deeply committed to every team member, always checking in, listening, and valuing individual input. Rachel makes everyone feel heard.
Her leadership is grounded in fairness, respect and accountability and marked with the celebration of the achievements of her team.
Rachel is dedicated to doing the right thing, ensuring integrity in public service. People are at the heart of her decision making and she is a fountain of guidance, support and validation.
Unfailingly displaying the highest standards of professionalism, Rachel’s commitment makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Inspirational Leadership Award, and a credit to our Force.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Tracey Burt (based at HQ)
In her 30-year-career, Tracey has made an exceptional contribution to policing, training, and public service.
Consistently demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment, she is respected by colleagues and leadership alike due to her dedication and loyalty to the organisation and the communities it serves.
Tracey directly shaped the capability and confidence of our staff through her development and delivery of training packages. Her influence sets her apart as a person who others go to for advice, expertise, and support. Nominated not only for her passionate and committed approach, but also for her exceptional work in relation to the new guardian system and the Integrated Command and Control System.
Tracey’s legacy is reflected in the many people she has trained, mentored, and supported over her three decades with us. Her influence is seen in the confidence, competence, and professionalism of those staff. The training frameworks and knowledge she has delivered will continue to benefit the organisation long into the future.
Staff Member of the Year: Adam Brown (based at HQ)
Adam Brown is the embodiment of excellence, dedication and public service.
As a Digital Forensics Unit Technician, Adam’s contribution is nothing short of exceptional. Renowned for his outstanding productivity and unwavering commitment, he consistently delivers an extraordinary volume of work while maintaining the highest professional standards.
His expertise in digital downloads has been instrumental in transforming service delivery, significantly reducing turnaround times and helping to ensure victims receive swifter resolutions.
Adam is a trusted expert, a problem-solver and a role model whose willingness to support others is second to none. In spite of his incredible accomplishments, he remains modest, approachable and relentlessly team-focused.
Alongside his police staff role, Adam demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to public service through his voluntary duties as a Special Sergeant based at Lincoln, dedicating his own time to leading and supporting fellow officers while protecting the communities of Lincolnshire.
Adam is exceptional; a shining example of the difference one person can make.
Community Spirit Award: BikeSafe Volunteer Team
This incredible team deliver memorable and engaging biker training which is exceptionally effective and potentially lifesaving.
BikeSafe relies on 14 dedicated volunteers with extensive experience and a passion for biking, who give their time and knowledge freely in order to support and guide others. Every volunteer maintains a high standard of riding ability and instructional skill which is rigorously assessed each year.
Through the BikeSafe workshops, they deliver observed rides, offering guidance and sharing roadcraft principles, while strengthening the relationship between the police and the biking community. Their commitment goes far beyond simply attending events — they are dedicated to educating and engaging communities on road safety.
In 2025, the BikeSafe team tutored over 80 riders, no doubt contributing to reduced fatalities by supporting riders to be skilful, be safe, and be seen. Their ongoing determination to deliver the best possible experience for those attending BikeSafe helps make our roads safer for all and we are delighted to celebrate this invaluable contribution.
Outstanding Contribution Award: Sgt Steve Parker (based at Lincoln)
PS Steve Parker has led the City Centre team in a way which has demonstrated a true passion for policing and with a problem-solving approach to issues affecting the area.
Steve works exceptionally with partners, not only to effectively tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, but also to ensure that vulnerable offenders are connected with support and services to prevent their cycle of offending and protect those with complex needs.
Steve clearly cares about improving the environment focusing on issues like drugs, begging and rough sleeping. As a result of this work, and his willingness to go above and beyond, the area feels safer meaning people are more encouraged to visit which in turn contributes to the development of a thriving economy.
Despite the challenges policing faces, Steve has been an exemplar of what the public would want and expect from their local policing team and has made a real and visible difference to the area he serves.
Driving Equality Diversity and Inclusion Award: Lincoln City Centre Team (Sponsored by R-Health)
The Lincoln City Centre Policing Team are recognised for their work as part of the Rough Sleeping Partnership for promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the homeless population of Lincoln.
The team are instrumental in ensuring that the homeless are safeguarded and get fair and equal access to health and social care.
Working in partnership with Holistic Healthcare for the Homeless, and through Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, the complexity of patient needs are recognised and a wraparound approach is agreed.
Described by partners as “excellent advocates” within the MDT, the team monitor the area and provide essential and timely information about any concerns. Escalating these concerns means faster and coordinated access to much needed support services and minimises the risk for deteriorating health issues.
This could not have been achieved without the kindness, compassion and respect displayed by the team. Their non-judgemental approach has been fundamental to keeping safe some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Stacey Pike Award for Student Officer of the Year: Cory Phillips (based at Gainsborough)
PC Cory Phillips is an outstanding Student Officer whose professionalism, commitment to learning, and determination to make a positive difference have distinguished him throughout the early stages of his policing career.
Cory has consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to personal development and public service. He is a valued and respected member of the team, earning the trust and admiration of colleagues through his enthusiasm, work ethic, and willingness to embrace every opportunity to learn.
During a period working within the Central Custody Team, Cory made a significant contribution to improving processes and developing guidance that has benefitted officers across the force. His influence was such that colleagues and partner agencies alike recognised the positive impact he made.
Cory is known for his eagerness to attend incidents, willingness to take on challenges, and unwavering commitment to developing his skills. Through his positivity, resilience and dedication Cory has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build relationships and improve the organisation around him.
Young Person of the Year: Marley Turner
Marley unfailingly demonstrates resilience, determination and a genuine passion for supporting both her peers and wider community.
Marley’s significant contribution to local community projects alongside the Royal British Legion, is evident through her involvement in the poppy appeal netting project. This project went on to achieve a world record in 2025 for the world’s largest poppy display.
Marley started with us in the Junior Cadets trial programme and has remained committed throughout her entire cadet experience. She is deeply respected by her leaders and peers, becoming a Senior Cadet who is known for her excellence in teamwork, leadership, and communication, always leading by example and supporting younger cadets.
Marley has shown dedication when balancing commitments and responsibilities, always giving her time willingly to support others and contribute positively to her community.
Her selflessness, maturity, and unwavering commitment to service make her a truly inspiring young person and ambassador for the Force.
Volunteer of the Year: Roger Barnell (based at HQ)
For seven years, Roger has been an outstanding volunteer within Fleet Management, making a significant contribution to the department and the wider Force.
Roger plays a key role in maintaining the pool car fleet and upkeep of the workshop, while continually finding productive ways to contribute way beyond his core responsibilities.
Highly reliable and dependable, Roger consistently demonstrates a strong sense of duty, always committed to supporting the team. His positive attitude, professionalism and approachable nature make him a valued colleague who helps create a positive working environment for all. He takes an active role in supporting and mentoring new volunteers, helping them develop their confidence and skills.
As a passionate advocate for volunteering, Roger represents the Force in publications and videos that showcase the value volunteers bring to the organisation. Through his dedication, work ethic and ambassadorial qualities, he exemplifies the very best of volunteering and is a truly worthy recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award.
