Three Warrington officers recognised at Cheshire Constabulary’s ACE Awards

THREE Warrington-based officers were recognised with special awards at Cheshire Constabulary’s annual ACE (Achieving Cheshire Excellence) Awards event.

The awards are the Constabulary’s highest accolades that can be awarded to an individual or team that has gone that extra mile or demonstrated exceptional commitment to policing in Cheshire.

The Warrington-based winners were DS Joe McNally from Warrington CID for Inspirational Leadership, PCSO of the Year Stefan Titans from Birchwood and Police Officer of the Year DC Emily Cole from Warrington’s Major Investigation Team.
This year’s ceremony, presented by ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson, was the seventh annual event and took place at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa on Chester Road in Knutsford.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “The Covid-19 pandemic caused last year’s ACE Awards to be held virtually.
“Thankfully, it returned to an in person event this year, and I really enjoyed what was my first ACE Awards ceremony as Chief Constable.
“Since returning to the force earlier this year, I have been highly impressed by the standard of the work being done across the force every day to help keep Cheshire’s residents safe and make the county a hostile environment for criminals.
“The ACE Awards offers the chance to highlight and celebrate this work and the outstanding individuals and teams responsible for it.
“I would like to congratulate the winners of each of the 11 award categories and to thank all those who nominated an individual or a team this year.
“The award winners and shortlisted finalists thoroughly deserve recognition for their dedicated service to both the force and the communities we serve.”
Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer added: “The ACE awards are a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the sterling work and incredible achievements of Cheshire’s talented officers, staff and volunteers.
“I am proud of them all for their efforts to make our county an even safer place to live, work and visit and am glad that I had chance to attend the ceremony in Knutsford and congratulate the award winners in person.
“The 11 categories cover the wide range of fantastic work being done across the force.
“All those who attended the presentation could not have failed to have been impressed by the inspirational stories of the award winners and the other shortlisted finalists going the extra mile to keep Cheshire residents safe. I certainly was.”
The awards cover the work done between June 2020 and April 2021.

Inspirational Leadership – DS Joe McNally, Warrington CID
Detective Sergeant Joe McNally is a true leader. He is committed to his team and serving the public of Cheshire, and he epitomises the force’s values and principles. Joe is an inspirational person in every sense. He has unfaltering enthusiasm and the ability to bring teams together. Joe values his staff and is passionate about supporting and developing individuals so that they can be the best that they can be. Through his dedication, those who work under his supervision deliver the best service possible to the community that they serve.

PCSO of the Year (joint winners) – PCSO Keith Bartlett, Chester LPU & PCSO Stefan Titans, Warrington LPU

PCSO Stefan Titans joined the Warrington East Beat Team last summer. From day one he has showed commitment, interest in the community, a dedication to problem solving and an incredible work ethic. Stefan has submitted more than 133 quality intelligence reports relating to local issues since becoming the Birchwood ward PCSO, which is an incredible amount. He has also referred the most vulnerable Warrington juveniles to the community partnerships via Community Safety Team letters, and Stefan’s thirst for knowledge and willingness to improve each day is just as impressive as his figures.

Police Officer of the Year – DC Emily Cole, Major Investigation Team in Warrington

Detective Constable Emily Cole has been involved in the investigation of major crime since 2008 and has made an outstanding contribution to policing. Numerous awards and feedback received show that she consistently operates at the top of the operational skills required for her role, always going above and beyond. Emily is exceptional in every aspect of her job in the Major Investigation Team (MIT). She has made a particular contribution to the innovative use of complex digital and telecommunications evidence at the force, and she has been central to the convictions of many dangerous offenders who received life sentences.