WEST Devon police officers and civilians were prominent this month when the winners of the annual North and West Devon Local Policing Area awards were announced.

The awards, presented by Police Commander Superintendent Michelle Slevinat at a ceremony in Barnstaple Guildhall last Wednesday, honour those officers and members of the public who have performed acts of bravery, selflessness or performed 'above and beyond' the call of duty.

Constable Andrew Waldron received a Commander's Certificate after being called to an incident in October 2012 at Bere Alston, following a report of a male suffering from stab wounds.

Tavistock-based PC Waldron was first on the scene and with no medical support present he dealt with distraught members of the public while trying to administer CPR to a naked male who had two large puncture wounds to his legs.

Remaining calm, PC Waldron took control while supporting attempts trying to keep the male alive awaiting the arrival of the ambulance service.

The citation read that throughout the incident PC Waldron acted in a thoroughly professional manner.

Also commended for same incident was member of the public Justin Gallop, who carried out CPR on the victim.

He acted 'without a thought for his own safety and immediately came to the assistance of the casualty'.

'His certificate was awarded for positive action and good citizenship.'

Okehampton Town Council dog waste officer Jonathan Dean was praised for his voluntary work on clearing the pavements, walkways and parks of dog mess not picked up by irresponsible dog owners. He was awarded a Commander's Certificate for his services to support the community.

Response officer of the year went to Constable Carl Seaward from Okehampton police station.

In November 2012 he recognised a vehicle had been circulated as being involved in drug trafficking. He stopped the vehicle which led to the seizure of £30,000 in cash and the arrest of two persons on suspicion of money laundering.PC Seaward also discovered a cannabis factory.

His citation recognised 'outstanding performance and dedication to delivering the best police service to his community'.

He was also praised for taking the overall responsibility for police involvement in the planning and organisation of the Ten Tors event on Dartmoor.

Tavistock-based Constable PC Cath Veale was named 'Local Policing Officer of the Year'.

In the past year she has created or become a leading figure in a significant number of local community groups and her work with vulnerable residents has been outstanding.

She focuses on key issues on her beat such as licensing and retail theft and nurtures key relationships with partners including Tavistock Community College.

Her citation read that: 'Her dedication in this role demonstrates that she genuinely cares about the public and the people she works with and above all delivering the best service.'

Special Constable of the Year 2013 went to Tavistock's Curtis Al'Omair.

On New Year's Eve 2012 SC Al'Omair arrested a violent and drunken man in Tavistock.

Despite suffering from the severe affects of being accidentally sprayed by the captor, the special constable remained professional and calm in restraining the offender.

In February he was prominent in a foot chase in Plymouth which resulted in the arrest of another violent offender.

The citation read: 'SC Al'Omair continues to impress locally as well as elsewhere with his keen ability and dedication to duty. He is very young in service but has the maturity and confidence of a more seasoned officer.'