THE winner of last year’s Isle of Man Newspapers Community Police Officer of the Year Award, Constable Andy Reed, has been nominated for the award again this year.
This is the fifth year that different people have been in touch saying that Mr Reed deserves recognition for his hard work. Allie Brophy-Reynolds has nominated him after he helped her with her son, who was struggling with behaviour issues and teenage rebellion.
She said: ‘I would like to nominate Andy Reed for the Police Officer of the Year. Andy helped me with my son, who at the time was struggling with behavioural issues and teenage rebellion, which was causing me stress and worry.
Fantastic
‘Andy was fantastic, very understanding and easy to talk to – very good in relating to teenagers, as he was non-judgemental and looked at ways to improve our situation and offered us help, which was very much appreciated, and he helped turn the problems around.
‘Andy is a very caring officer. He knows how teenagers think, he is very respected, fair and has empathy for people. He has been a tremendous help and I would like to thank him for the help he gave us.’
Mr Reed, 40, joined the Metropolitan Police at Islington in 1993. His first move was to Enfield town, where he was the youth and community officer with responsibility for 13 schools. He dealt with a broad range of issues, including drugs, offensive weapons and truancy. His next move was to Hertfordshire, where he was a street police officer, before moving to the island in 2004. Last year Mr Reed was working as a acting sergeant and in January he moved to his new role of teaching new students in Lord Street.
The dad of two, who lives in Laxey Police House, in the village’s Glen Road, said: ‘I’m speechless and totally amazed, I didn’t expect this because I have been doing a different role and have not been in the public eye as much. It is great to be recognised. I’m just doing my job. People don’t always have the time to say thanks, so it is nice to be nominated.’
Nominations must be in by March 2. To make one, send the name and your reasons for choosing him or her to: Lisa Lewis, Isle of Man Newspapers, Publishing House, Peel Road, Douglas, IM1 5PZ. Email {mailto:lisa.lewis@newsiom.co.im|lisa.lewis(at)newsiom.co.im}.