Two Croydon police officers were commended for displaying “leadership, resilience and decisiveness” during an incident where a baby’s life was at serious risk.
In January the mother of a two-month-old baby was threatened by her ex-partner who then abducted her child.
His vehicle was spotted and Inspector Phil Mockett ordered a pursuit by the police helicopter, which tracked the vehicle and a stinger device was used to stop the vehicle.
After a six-hour negotiation the baby was saved and the man was arrested and jailed for eight-months.
Specialist firearms officers praised the difficult decisions Insp Mockett made and the work of Sergeant Matt Giles, which saved the life of the baby and ensured the safety of officers.
Also honoured at a commendation ceremont last week were three police constables, who saved a man threatening to set himself alight after pouring petrol all over himself.
PCs David Owen, Dan Crouchman and Kitty Vince were commended for bravery and professionalism and PC Casey Ball was commended for dedication and professionalism.
On December 11, 2008, a man armed himself with a knife and poured petrol over himself while holding a lighter. His home was already on fire.
PC Ball had dealt with him before and called him on the phone to find out what was going on.
PCs Vince and Crouchman, dressed in flame-proof overalls cornered him using two shields.
He was arrested without injury and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Among other officers commended at the ceremony in Croydon Town Hall on Friday were Detective Sergeant Bob Dolce, for Operation Barbetos in Thornton Heath.
This operation resulted in a raid on September 11, 2008, where 53 people were detained with 14 arrests for money-laundering, offensive weapons, possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply, wanted on warrant, immigration offences and other minor matters. Both premises were closed down.
The officers were commended by borough commander Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts in a special ceremony with certificates handed out by mayor Margaret Mead.
The ceremony was watched by family members and was concluded with a tea in the Town Hall.
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