AN award-winning police constable visited Downing Street in recognition of the selfless efforts of emergency workers during the pandemic.

Police Constable Ricky Parkinson joined colleagues nationally to represent the Cleveland Force at Number 10 - after each police force was contacted to nominate a deserving front-line officer to attend a reception with the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

The event was held to thank public workers for their hard work, resilience and determination in keeping people safe during the coronavirus crisis.

Mr Parkinson, 28, a law graduate from York Law School, has served with Cleveland Police since 2017 – initially as a Police Staff Investigator with Stockton CID and then two years later as a PC with Stockton Incident Response Team.

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Nearing completion of his probationary period, Mr Parkinson underwent extensive training to fulfil his role in responding to emergency calls for service and protecting lives across the Stockton patch. In addition, Mr Parkinson has helped to develop new constables on the team.

Mr Parkinson had already earned the award of ‘Student Officer of the Year’ at the Cleveland Police Awards and has been commended for being an exceptional officer with an outstanding passion for the role, described as ‘always acting with professionalism and integrity’.

Cleveland Police said: "His positivity influences all colleagues around him and his enthusiasm is second to none - always going the extra mile to protect local communities."

Mr Parkinson was especially praised for attending a commercial burglary and detaining and arresting one of the suspects while single-crewed.

Attending the event at Downing Street, Mr Parkinson said: “It was such a unique and surreal experience being in attendance at 10 Downing Street. Walking through the door into a building, entered only by a few, I felt privileged to have been considered and the occasion did not disappoint.

“The event was attended by only one officer from each police force nationally and I even got the opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister directly about front-line policing. This is something I will not forget in a hurry.

“In terms of my police role, I have been well looked after with training opportunities at Cleveland Police and my supervision are very supportive in progressing my skill set – which I’m very thankful for.

“I enjoy helping those who need our assistance, safeguarding vulnerable people and protecting them from harm. I am always happy to help out other officers on my team and I love seeing them grow and develop.

“When you're on the other side of the radio, it gives me such satisfaction in trying to help as many people as I can in a daily shift. It's about making a difference that's measurable that matters, and that’s what makes me want to do the job I do.”

Local Policing Superintendent Sharon Cooney praised Mr Parkinson, and all of his colleagues.

Supt Cooney said: “PC Parkinson stood out to leaders and fellow colleagues across Cleveland Police as an aspiring role model. It is incredible that, as a student officer himself, he goes out of his way to support and mentor other officers, which demonstrates his passion to make a difference to people’s lives. I am immensely proud of Ricky and all our frontline teams.

“The coronavirus pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, not just for emergency workers but for everyone who has been impacted, and we’re proud to have the high calibre of student officers coming through the ranks. Ricky will continue to thrive in his role, joining a range of skilled police officers, police staff and volunteers who all strive to provide the best possible service.”

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