The bravery and dedication of police and Glossop residents have been recognised by one of Derbyshire’s top police officers.

The seven police officers and four civilians were recognised with Divisional Commander’s Commendations at special ceremony in Buxton.

One of those collecting an award from Chief Superintendent Pete Lewis was PC Leanne Longden who saved a woman’s life because of the trust she had built with her. She had gone to a house in Glossop and removed a knife from the woman, who was threatening to harm herself.

Sergeant Greg McGill was recognised for disarming an aggressive woman in a Glossop house following reports of a knife fight.

And PCs Donna Neale and Paula Doyle were recognised for their work in investigating a spate of car badge thefts in Gamesley.

PC Doyle seized a number of car badges and clothing and found more badges in a nearby wood after recognising two boys on CCTV. By using her local knowledge, PC Doyle was able to link car badges to victims of crime who hadn’t reported the offences.

Special Constable David Hammond, a member of the Gamesley and Charlesworth Safer Neighbourhood team, has been commended for 14 years of work. He worked an average of 31 hours each month in 2009 despite being a successful businessman in Manchester.

And PC Ellen Fox was a PCSO in Buxton when she helped a homeless man get off the streets and avoid a life of crime. She found the Hungarian man who had been wandering the streets of Buxton for more than a year. She contacted the right agencies and charities to help him stop drinking and helped him get back on his feet.

Finally PC John Keys, now based in Glossop, was on patrol in Buxton when he arrested a prolific offender wanted for breaching a court judgement. He was injured in a struggle but detained the man until his colleagues arrived, despite them being delayed because his radio was faulty.

Greg Longson and John Mellor helped a lorry driver escape from his cab after the truck ploughed into a row of houses on Charlestown Road, causing a gas leak in October 2008.

Despite the dangers, Mr Longson climbed into the cab of the lorry and helped the driver escape while Mr Mellor crawled under the truck with a fire extinguisher to control a fire.

Nick and Donna Rogers from Gamesley’s Community Cafe were also honoured. For more than three years the Rogers have brought different groups together. Highlights of their work include weekly drop-in sessions, football sessions and working with Connexions to help young people get work experience.

Chief Superintendent Lewis said: "Nick and Donna have come to know many people on a personal level over the years and forged some very strong relationships which have helped boost community spirit in Gamesley."

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