LAST Boxing Day's tsunami was a tragedy on a massive scale on the other side of the world - yet it touched small communities in Worcestershire, too.

Insp Worthington was in charge of helping the families of the victims over here and, according to his bosses, went that extra mile to provide comfort.

Insp Worthington managed FLO deployments, reviewed case-loads, ensured staff welfare, arranged logistical support and attended regional meetings.

Divisional Commander Chief Supt Simon Adams said: "Phil's dedication can only be described as exemplary.

AT Malvern petrol station, PC Smith tackled a man who was wanted by the Metropolitan Police for attempted murder.

PC Smith saw a vehicle thought to be linked with a theft at the Texaco service station in February.

The Malvern officer questioned the driver about the theft. He made further checks, found out the man was wanted by the Met for the attempted murder of a security guard, and arrested him in hand-cuffs

Ch Supt Adams said: "This was a potentially dangerous individual.

"Had it not been for the courage, tenacity and persistence of PC Smith, he could well still be at large.

MS Reynolds had to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a man covered in vomit.

A distressed mother asked the community support officer to go to her son's flat because she was worried he had not visited her. Ms Reynolds discovered him crouched at his bedside.

Although he was cold, almost certainly dead and covered with vomit, Ms Reynolds, who is based in Dines Green, immediately administered CPR and mouth-to-mouth.

A police spokesman said: "She continued because she knew she was expected to do something by a traumatised mother confronted by the sudden death of her son."

PC Edwards used his "initiative, instincts, conviction and strength of character" to arrest an attempted murder suspect.

The arrest followed an attempted robbery and the stabbing of a member of the public at the Sea Crest Fish Bar in London Road, Worcester, on Wednesday, July 13. At the scene, one man, whose description matched that of the offender, had already been checked and eliminated as a suspect. PC Edwards made further enquiries and was convinced that the man was, in fact, a strong suspect.

Ch Supt Adams said: "This man was later charged with attempted murder.

Sgt Hughes received his commendation for his excellent work and commitment in managing the introduction of new licensing legislation.

Sgt Hughes took full responsibility for the implementation of the new Licensing Act in Worcester, managed the relationship with councils, and ensured crime and disorder issues were not ignored.

Ch Supt Adams said: "He has demonstrated a positive and enthusiastic approach throughout.

PC Taylor has also been commended for his work in supporting the introduction of the new licensing legislation.

Ch Supt Adams said: "Chris has made a significant contribution to organisational change by providing unstinting support to the licensing department.

"His natural ability and commitment have proved invaluable and this has directly supported this significant organisational change."

VIDEO evidence is vital nowadays in identifying criminals and its use in Worcester has helped bring prolific offenders to justice.

During 18 months running West Mercia's busiest identification unit, Mr Burrows has "quietly and professionally developed the new art of video identification," said Ch Insp Adams.

"His expertise has reached the point where operational officers, the Crown Prosecution Service and defence lawyers all hold him in high regard.

"His attention to detail and fairness has meant that he has yet to be challenged in court. Identification is a vital element of the investigation process and can be complicated and time-consuming.

"Mike, however, carries out the procedures in a highly professional manner.

"He has been instrumental in helping to secure a number of important convictions, ensuring that many prolific offenders are brought to justice."

THE war against drug-taking and anti-social behaviour is being won thanks to Mr Shepheard, who has been commended for his commitment, enthusiasm and effectiveness.

His successes include:

l Intelligence gathering and positive action to combat anti-social behaviour and drug-taking

l Responsibility for the arrest of two burglary suspects

l Changing duties to make evening reassurance visits to an elderly woman who was the victim of a 'sneak-in' burglary

Ch Supt Adams said: "Since the day he joined, Gary has worked hard, remained enthusiastic and dedicated himself to providing the community with a high-profile community support officer who gets involved, uses his initiative and makes the community a better place for everyone.

"He has excellent communication skills, remains calm in difficult and tense situations and inspires confidence in others."

PC Hurley's impressive arrest rate in the first few months on the beat has won him a commendation. He made 84 arrests and is now a fully fledged officer.

Ch Supt Adams said: "Wayne has developed excellent practical policing skills, an analytical mind to conduct investigations and inter-personal skills that allow him to consider the needs and expectations of victims and witnesses.

"He has an impressive work record attributable to his motivation, targeting prolific offenders in priority crime areas. He is an excellent communicator at all levels and situations and shows resilience in difficult and physically threatening situations."

Ch Supt Adams said the number of arrests were "impressive".

He added: "He is committed to providing the public with the best possible service and he is an excellent ambassador for the division and the force."

The Worcester bobby played a vital role in obtaining a sexual offences prevention order against a serial sex pest which provided "significant protection to the community".

PC Green was directly responsible for obtaining the order, said Ch Supt Adams.

He added: "Paul recognised the danger this individual presented, raised the issue with the appropriate department and took this case to court, facing a challenging cross-examination from the defence solicitor.

"As a result the application was a success, affording significant protection to the community at large. Paul also won - and kept - the confidence of a number of vulnerable witnesses and ensured that they were supported throughout this distressing process."

"Since he became a beat manager in October 2003, PC Green has been highly effective, winning the support of his colleagues and the community as a whole".

MR Green caught a thief in his pub's car park when he apprehended a man who had a small kitchen knife and a screw-driver in his pocket.

Mr Green disturbed the man when he was checking cars in the car park in the early hours of Monday, March 20.

He shouted but the man tried to hide under another car. The hero publican caught him and called the police.

Mr Green noticed the tools in the man's pocket - just before he tried to throw them away.

Paul West, Chief Constable of West Mercia Constabulary, said: "Mr Green, without thought for his own safety, managed to detain the man until the police arrived and arrested the offender."