Two police officers based |at Falmouth have been presented with certificates |in recognition of their “professionalism and commitment.”

PC James Tompson and PC Barry Nicholas both received Superintendent’s Certificates at the award ceremony held earlier this month. In total, Chief Superintendent Julie Fielding, Superintendent John Green, Superintendent Jim Pearce and Detective Superintendent Jim Colwell, presented awards to 16 individuals from the West Cornwall policing area.

PC Tompson citation reads: “PC Tompson is a highly motivated officer who is always the first to put himself forward to take on additional tasks. He is nominated for his professionalism and dedication to duty.”

He has worked on response and more recently as part of the domestic investigation unit.

“Within each role he has been fully committed, he is always supportive of other staff and one of the first officers approached for help and advice,” it was said.

“He was the lead role in the gathering of information for scrap metal thefts within Falmouth and his hard work and operation planning assisted in major crime reduction within this area.

“He is very highly regarded by members of the public and officers alike. He has been put forward for this award by the colleagues he works with not for a one-off event but for his continued commitment.”

PC Nicholas joined Devon and Cornwall Police in July 2007 and four years later he transferred back home to Falmouth, where he firstly joined the local policing and partnership team before reverting back to response.

“During his time at Falmouth, he has delivered a high standard of policing and showed his enthusiasm for proactive policing by researching, planning and executing numerous search warrants resulting in the seizure of tens of thousands of pounds of drugs, cash seizures and convictions,” says his citation.

“PC Nicholas embraces the concept of ‘positive press’, using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, enlisting the public’s assistance in cases and creating a positive public image.

With the additional role as force wildlife officer, he takes on enquiries working closely with other agencies, such as investigating the killing of numerous sea birds caught in fishermen’s nets off the coast or the unexplained deaths of numerous swans near Devoran. This has earned him the local title of “Wildlife Warrior.”

“His approach to policing has led him, whilst tackling the issue of marine crime, to the raising of funds from the Cornwall Marine Network resulting in sea survival and power boat training for many police officers. He also has an agreement with the fire service which allows police access to a boat giving Falmouth and Penryn a policing presence on the water, serving and supporting Falmouth’s boating community and major events such as Tall Ships.

“Despite his numerous roles he continues ato provide a high standard of policing and has drive and determination that sets him apart from others.”