IN AUGUST last year, Inspector Madge Lynch found herself dealing with a life-threatening situation in Moredon.

Together with a team of officers, she was faced by a desperate man who was threatening to commit suicide.

It was a difficult situation which required surety of thought and calmness in manner, and Inspector Lynch took command of the incident by speaking to the man when she was able to gain his trust and confidence.

Her professionalism paid off because she managed to persuade the man to stop what he was doing and to step away. A life was saved.

Inspector Lynch was one of a number of Swindon police officers who received the Divisional Commander's Certificate of Merit at a ceremony held at Steam.

These are quarterly awards, hosted by Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett, to honour staff who have gone above and beyond in the course of their duty.

They included PCSO Richard Lane who has been organising football training sessions for young people at the Link Centre.

The initiative focused on young people in West Swindon to create a positive relationship with local police, as well as support the reduction of anti-social behaviour in the area.

People involved in the investigation into the hammer attack on teenager Henry Webster at Ridgeway School were also honoured: Maxine Carter; Laura Lynch; Judith Jones; Tim Palmer; and prosecutor James Patrick.

Nearly 1,000 people were contacted during the investigation two years ago which resulted in 700 statements being obtained and more than 500 videos and DVDs being processed, which resulted in the conviction of 13 defendants.

The awards were presented by Swindon Advertiser editor, Dave King, and the ceremony was also attended by the Mayor, Coun Steve Wakefield.

Recipients of the Divisional Commander’s Certificate of Merit: PC Paul Bezzant and PC Jansen Carter: for the arrest and conviction of a man stealing lead from the roof of the old Goddards Arms Hotel, Swindon.

PCSO Richard Lane: for working with Swindon Borough Council Youth Services organising football training sessions for young people at the Link Centre.

Inspector Mark Garrett, DS Robert Cooper, DC Kevin Golledge, DC Elizabeth Coles: for the arrest and conviction of a man who attacked and robbed his victim with a claw hammer, leaving the victim with serious and life-threatening head injuries.

Maxine Carter, James Patrick, Laura Lynch, Judith Jones, Tim Palmer: involved in the investigation and conviction of 13 defendants following a hammer attack on Henry Webster in the grounds of Ridgeway School.

DC James Newbery: for the arrest and conviction of a man following a stabbing outside a home in Penhill. The defendant was jailed for seven-and-a-half years.

PC Louis McCoy: as Swindon’s licensing officer, he has introduced Pub-watch Online, the collaboration of the New and Old Town Pubwatch schemes, as well as developing and driving the police’s licensing action plan.

PC Robin Stannard: as Swindon’s community safety youth officer, he has co-ordinated the Swindon Junior Good Citizen Scheme, as well as bringing the Foundation4Peace initiative into Swindon, helping reduce community, racial and religious tensions between pupils.

PS Julian Riches: for his involvement with the Swindon Youth Offending Team, taking on and implementing a number of local and central government initiatives.

Inspector Madge Lynch: for dedication, professionalism and commitment in dealing with a man threatening suicide in Moredon.

Police staff Dave Fay, Richard Day, Eddie Bush, Insp Mark Garrett: for the excellent service delivered by the Operational Planning Unit, using team skills of planning, negotiation and flexibility.

Inspector Deb Waters, PS Donna West, Sian Kalynka, Geoff Suffolk, Bob Walton, Paul Phelps, Joan Britton, Louis McCoy, Robin Stannard: recognising the dedication, professionalism and commitment of the Community Safety Department in licensing, crime prevention, hate crime monitoring, equality and diversity, crime reduction, education and schools.

Richard Palusinski: for his role as head of community safety in Swindon and his work as a member of the Wiltshire Special Constabulary.

Among the initiatives have been the use of Smartwater, the provision of the Community Safety Bus, and the implementation of vandal-proof bus shelters in Queens Drive.