Thursday, October 8, 2026
Recently, on Thursday 24th September 2026, Lancashire Police hosted their annual awards to celebrate police officers, police staff and partner organisations from across West Division (covering Blackpool, Fylde, Lancaster, Morecambe and Wyre).
The awards highlighted the amazing work undertaken over the last 12 months, from inspiring leadership, outstanding enthusiasm, and meritorious conduct to incredible victim support and case outcomes.
Just a few of those celebrated at this year's ceremony were...
Detective Constable Alexis Walch, who received the Gordon Connelly Cup, awarded to a police officer or police staff member who through good police work, has brought about a significant arrest and prosecution. DC Walch received this award for her work on a domestic abuse case, in which the victim was subject to physical and mental assault, controlling behaviour and threats to kill. DC Walch worked tirelessly to build a case against the perpetrator, whilst also offering support and guidance to the victim in a time of great distress, which saw the preparator get sentenced to a decade behind bars.
Operation Babylon, led by Detective Inspector Brittany Shaw, won the Problem-Solving Award, for resolving, through multi-agency problem solving, a particularly significant community, crime, antisocial behaviour or organisation problem. Operation Babylon is designed to prevent knife crime, child criminal exploitation and County Lines involvement among vulnerable young people in Blackpool. Working with pupils from Blackpool Alternative Provision School, participants spend a week acting as Detective Constables, investigating a realistic crime while learning from police, NHS and criminal justice professionals.
In addition, the following officers had received Divisional Commanders Commendations for their outstanding contributions:
Special Constable River Barber, as during two separate high-risk incidents involving violent offenders, he showed outstanding bravery, remaining calm under pressure and putting the safety of others before his own. In one incident, he placed himself at personal risk to protect fellow officers during a violent confrontation, helping to safely bring the situation under control despite sustaining injuries himself.
Police Constable Tegan McLaughlin, for demonstrating exceptional courage, bravery professionalism and quick thinking when faced with a dangerous situation. With no immediate support available, she remained calm under pressure, carefully assessed the risk and took decisive action to protect members of the public, placing herself between an armed individual and people at a busy hospital.
Police Constable Katie Foster, for playing a leading role in a highly successful multi-agency partnership initiative to make Lancaster and Morecambe safer for local communities. Working closely with agencies including Immigration, Trading Standards, Environmental Health and the Fire Service, she has helped tackle businesses involved in illegal and unsafe practices that can put people, particularly young and vulnerable individuals, leading to significant results including arrests, the seizure of illegal goods and substantial financial penalties for offenders totalling over £900,000.
The Fylde Neighbourhood Policing Team, for Project SeaBreeze. Project SeaBreeze is an innovative neighbourhood policing and partnership working. Through targeted patrols, enhanced information sharing with Fylde Council, local businesses and other key partners, plus early intervention initiatives, the project delivered significant reductions in anti-social behaviour and retail crime across Fylde’s coastal communities.
Speaking at the event, West Division Commander Temporary Chief Superintendent James Black, said:
"These awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional dedication, hard work and professionalism shown by our staff every day. Across the organisation, colleagues go above and beyond to support victims, protect vulnerable people and serve our communities with compassion and commitment.
"The individuals and teams recognised this year represent the very best of policing. Their determination, expertise and unwavering focus on supporting victims and delivering the highest standards of service make a real difference to people's lives.
"I am incredibly proud of all those who were nominated and honoured at these awards, and I would like to thank each and every member of our workforce for the contribution they make to keeping our communities safe."