TWO Harpenden police officers have been recognised for their work in the community.

Former Harpenden police sergeant Lewis Ducket has received a top Rotary award for his help with a major town event.

Sgt Ducket is only the eighth recipient of the community service award from Harpenden Village Rotary Club in its 23-year history.

Rotary Club president Cedric Kennedy said: “The police play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the annual Classics on the Common. Since the club took over organising the event three years ago we could not have asked for more cooperation than we have had from Lewis Ducket.”

Sgt Ducket had been the neighbourhood sergeant for Harpenden for five years before moving to the change management team at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.

His achievements and popularity as head of the town’s neighbourhood crime prevention unit have already been recognised.

A farewell ceremony was held at Harpenden Town Hall where he received the St Albans Mayor’s Pride Award shield for outstanding dedication to emergency services.

A PCSO based in Harpenden has also been presented with an award for his good work in the town.

Sam Carroll, of the Harpenden North & East Safer Neighbourhood Team, won the PCSO of the Year award at the Herts Police Authority annual Safer Neighbourhood Awards

Praising PSCO Carroll, the judges said: “Our winner cares for the community, and even when involved in the planning of an arrest, he will ensure that those left behind are looked after by having the relevant services on hand. If local detectives need to put a name to a face, they will approach this officer.”

Outgoing chair of the Police Authority, Stuart Nagler, said: “This is our opportunity to pay tribute to those officers, staff and members of the public who make a real difference to the lives of those who live and work in Hertfordshire.”

“PCSOs are still a new innovation in the world of policing but what an impact they have had in their relatively short time.

“They are often the most visible and accessible face of policing within our communities.

“It is almost certainly true that our PCSOs listen to more of the public’s concerns and issues than any other type of officer. They play a central role in our neighbourhood teams.“

Regional winners from each of the county’s 10 districts also collected their awards at the ceremony. St Albans Sergeant Mark Andrews (London Colney and St Stephen & Park Street Safer Neighbourhood Teams) and the Harpenden Safer Neighbourhood Teams all received awards at the event.