On Wednesday 21st October 2009 Haringey held a Borough Commander Commendation Ceremony at the Police Sports Club in Chigwell.

Chief Superintendent Dave Grant introduced the ceremony, and Councillor Eddie Griffith, Deputy Mayor of Haringey, presented the awards.

Police officers, PCSOs, police staff and a council environmental enforcement officer were among 43 people commended for actions of bravery, dedication, compassion, determination, professionalism, investigative skills, and community spirit all contributing to improving the quality of life of local communities and increasing public safety and confidence.

Among the actions that were commended were; a council enforcement officer for working in partnership with police Safer Neighbourhoods Teams across the borough to reduce antisocial behaviour; a Safer Transport Team PCSO for 12 months of outstanding service and results; an off-duty police officer who tackled a violent prolific offender resulting in a conviction; a police officer who administered life saving first aid to the victim of a serious violent assault; five police officers that helped members of public to safety during a serious fire at the busy Wood Green Shopping City in January this year; two White Hart Lane Safer Neighbourhoods PCSOs who were on cycle patrols when they were called over by a resident to help deliver a neighbour's baby; as well as officers that disarmed violent offenders, arrested prolific offenders, provided victim support and showed outstanding investigative skills.

Haringey Borough Commander Dave Grant said:
"The actions that have been commended include many carried out by police officers and PCSOs where in a split second they have to make a decision and step into harms way. Words can't describe what these officers have had to face and the importance of the decisions that they have had to make, but they are well trained to be able to cope with these situations.
"I am extremely proud to be the Borough Commander in a borough with a group of people that exceed my expectations. We receive much support from the community expressed through letters of thanks.
"This is our way of saying thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment."

Councillor Eddie Griffith, Deputy Mayor of Haringey, addressed the recipients and said:
"I cannot help but marvel at the bravery and audacious exploits of the recipients, and it makes me feel very pretentious, humbled but honoured to be performing this coveted duty.
"The reality that there are people who are prepared to risk their lives and sometimes carry out very daring acts without any consideration for their own safety, so that we in the Community can go about our daily lives free from fear, is something that we need to be more appreciative of.
"Some cycnics would want to say that you are only doing what you are paid to do, but there is no doubt in mind, that had you been volunteers, your attitude and commitment to the public would have driven you to act in exactly the same manner.
"Police are often critisized and vilified when occasionally you get things wrong and those occasions often get highlighted in the tabloid press.
"The truth of the matter is, you more often than not, get things right and for that we are eternally grateful.
"Remember one thing, you will never be able to please all of the people all of the time, but provided you continue to please all of the people most of the time we will be right behind you.
"Continue to do the wonderful jobs you are doing."