Two Special Constabulary officers have been presented with a Certificate for Meritorious Service at a Lord Lieutenant’s Awards ceremony.
The certificates were presented personally by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant recognising Special Sergeant Reuben Watt and Special Constable Cameron Blacker for their exceptional dedication and outstanding contribution to the communities of Gloucestershire.
Special Sgt Watt began his service in West Midlands Police Special Constabulary in 2021 and transferred to Gloucestershire in 2023.
To date, he has contributed and volunteered more than 2,305 hours to the Special Constabulary and policing in the county, on top of his day job working full-time for EDF Energy.
He has brought a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of policing operations to the team, which has proven invaluable.
Based in Cheltenham, Sgt Watt has supported in arranging operations and volunteers for Project Vigilant deployments in the town – this is a preventative initiative in the night-time economy to tackle perpetrator behaviour before a crime is committed.
His open, empowering leadership style has reinvigorated the team in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury, resulting in greater team independence and a marked rise in volunteer hours dedicated to supporting the local community within Neighbourhood Policing.
In recognition of his outstanding service, leadership, and unwavering commitment, Sgt Watt was nominated for the award.
After receiving the award, Sgt Watt said: “It was an honour to be recognised for this award. I’m proud to do what I do, a break from my day job, in which I can serve the community that I live in.”
Special Constable Cameron Blacker first began his service with Avon and Somerset Police Special Constabulary in 2015, before transferring to Gloucestershire in 2018.
After taking some time away, he re-joined the Special Constabulary in 2019 and voluntarily gives his time to serve the local community.
SC Blacker obtained Qualified Special Constable status, which means he has completed advanced learning in five core areas of policing practice.
To date, he has contributed more than 2,850 voluntary hours to the Special Constabulary in Gloucestershire.
He is based on response in Gloucester, and has a wealth of operational knowledge, training and experience.
SC Blacker’s professionalism, competence, and calm approach on duty make him an exceptional and highly respected response officer on shift.
In addition to his significant volunteering for the Force, he is employed as a full-time member of police staff.
This position enables him to bring valuable, transferable skills into his voluntary operational role, further enhancing his contribution.
Alongside his response duties, SC Blacker has provided vital support to several neighbourhood policing operations, and has provided exceptional support to the confidence and wellbeing of his colleagues.
In recognition of his outstanding voluntary service, exemplary leadership, and unwavering dedication to both colleagues and the communities of Gloucestershire, SC Blacker was nominated for the award.
After receiving the award, SC Blacker said: “I’m delighted to receive this recognition, but it’s very much a team effort.
“The wider Special Constabulary and the full-time officers I work alongside in Gloucester response deserve huge credit too; their support and teamwork make all the difference.”
Chief Inspector James Wyatt said: “This award recognises two exceptional volunteers who have made a significant contribution to policing and community safety.
“As Special Constables, they consistently go above and beyond, demonstrating compassion, resilience and an unwavering commitment to public service.
“Their efforts have had a lasting impact on colleagues and communities alike, and we are incredibly proud of all they have achieved.”
The Lord Lieutenant’s Awards are among the highest regional honours, presented personally by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant on behalf of the Sovereign.
They recognise outstanding individuals whose dedication and service make a real difference to their communities and to the nation.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Edward Gillespie, presented the certificates to both winners at an award ceremony at Imjin Barracks on Thursday last week (22 October).
Are you interested in becoming a Special Constable? Gloucestershire Police Special Constabulary is currently accepting expressions of interest – find out more about the role and what it involves here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/police-forces/gloucestershire-constabulary/areas/gloucestershire/ca/careers/special-constables/