Courageous acts praised in police ceremony (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Courageous acts praised in Merton police commendation ceremony

1:01pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News By Lauren May, Chief Reporter

The courageous acts of the public and police force have been honoured at a commendation ceremony hosted by Merton police.

The 'Stars of 2012' event was attended by Wimbledon's own Olympic champion rower Sophie Hosking and Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis at the All England Tennis Club on Tuesday, March 19.

Among those praised were Sergeant Dean Croft and Police Constables Jonathan Case and Jonathan Grabauskas who, while on a routine patrol, came under gun fire by a teenager, who has since been jailed for 11 years.

John Goddard, co-ordinator of the Merton Street Pastors that sees a team of 31 volunteers from local churches go on to the streets to help those in trouble, was also commended for his dedication to the community.

Others recognised included Barbara Doh-Nani, a member of the public who helped give first aid to an 11-year-old boy and his mother when they suffered horrendous facial injuries after being stabbed during an incident in Pollards Hill last year.

Inspector Darren Mercer and PC Liam Holbrook were also honoured for their part in the case that has since seen a man convicted of the crime who is waiting sentence.

PC Terry Elmer, who died suddenly in November 2012, received a posthumous award for his dedication to Merton police.

In tribute future awards for constable of the year will be known as the Terry Elmer Award.