Two officers bid to scoop awards

SGT Craig Johnson and PC Katherine Murray

TWO Oldham police officers, nominated for prestigious national awards, have been praised by their chief superintendent.

Sgt Craig Johnson and PC Katherine Murray are the only two officers from more than 450 in Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham division in the running for recognition.

Sgt Johnson, based at Uppermill police station, has been an officer more than 32 years. He has been nominated for the Jane’s Police Review lifetime achievement award.

PC Murray, who operates from Oldham’s police headquarters, is bidding for the accolade of top student police officer.

Sgt Johnson, who has been in his current post for 20 years, is a popular figure in the Saddleworth and Lees townships.

His award nomination says that although he could have retired three years ago, he remained in post, taking on the inspector’s role as a sergeant, which he performed for 18 months.

The nomination continued: “Craig has dedicated himself to the people of Saddleworth and Lees, where he is held in the highest esteem. It is the love of his job, and his relationship with the residents, which caused him to stay.

“He has always promoted the interests of Saddleworth, and been instrumental in preserving many of their traditions and events.”

In addition, he promotes and participates in charitable events, personally introducing “Emma’s Walk” three years ago, which has raised more than £5,000 in memory of a late colleague.

He has also been integral in obtaining funding for local youth activities.

Craig has organised countless police operations over the years and received two Chief Constable citation of merit awards for an outstanding arrest and conviction record.

He said: “In 1989 I was lucky enough to be asked to be the community sergeant for Saddleworth for six months. This unique rural environment was a turning point in my career. I felt I was now an important part of the community and that mattered.

“Promotion, once an important goal, would have required leaving Saddleworth and was consequently never pursued.”

PC Murray has been an officer in training for more than a year and was previously a police community support officer for more than two years.

She knew she wanted to be a police officer from the age of 12 after witnessing the way police handled a supermarket break-in.

She says: “I look forward to my work, I have developed skills by listening and watching other more experienced Officers. I get great satisfaction from knowing that I am helping to make Oldham a safer place.

“I know now that the effort I put into policing is always worth it. I love being a police officer and give 100 per cent to my job.

Chief Supt Caroline Ball said: “I am proud two of my officers are representing the force at these national awards.

“ When I looked over the nominations it was clear Sgt Johnson and PC Murray have made an impact in the communities they serve and also with their work colleagues.

“My officers and staff have and are doing a lot of good work, but we don’t do it for the recognition, we do it because we want to make Oldham a safer place to live and work.

“I’m delighted the force has recognised the achievements of both officers. I wish them both the best of luck for the ceremony in London on October.”