Page 16 - WMPF Federation Dec-Jan 2021_Neat
P. 16
Force ceremony
Then West Midlands Police
Federation chair Jon Nott (left) with
Phil Kingsley at the awards
ceremony.
Phil wins Diamond Award
“Humbled” Phil Kingsley says he is still in away, my phone was going mad all night. My “I watched the footage on grainy CCTV
disbelief after being named “Police Officer of family were all very proud of me.” but could see someone had dragged a
the Year” at the annual Force Diamond Awards. Phil’s award comes five years after he was woman out of her car and was pretty
He clinched the title, which is sponsored run over by a drunk driver while on duty. much using her as a football. We managed
by West Midlands Police Federation, having “We stopped a car that we thought had to track him down and arrest him,” he
faced a number of challenges since joining the drunk driver in, but it turned out to be a added.
the Force 18 years ago including being run man who had done a double shift at his “The thing is, when I’m passionate
over by a drunk driver. family restaurant and was just tired. We told about making a difference, I can get a bit
Phil, who was nominated by his former him to get himself a coffee and make sure he obsessed – in fact, I can probably be a bit
sergeant, says the award is even more got home in one piece and then the next of a nightmare to work with – but
poignant following such a tough 18 months. thing we knew, a drunk driver had ploughed everyone knows that.
I was shocked. A friend texted to tell me. into us,” he explains. a good team. This award wasn’t just for
“I’m lucky that I’ve always been part of
“When I found out I had been nominated,
everyone. Without a doubt, I have received “ I’m very lucky to do me, it’s for my colleagues too.”
Then I found out I’d made the top three and I
Working as part of the neighbourhood
was so surprised, in a good way,” recalls Phil.
the job I do.
team that covers Smethwick, Phil says he is
“It’s been a challenging few years for
this award on behalf of the whole team.” “ always keen to get to know the community
and helping to improve their lives.
The Police Officer of the Year award falls Phil, who was seriously injured as a result “We arrested a group of drug dealers
under “Employee of the Year”, a category that of the incident and is still managing those and got them evicted from the house. The
is sponsored by the Police Federation and injuries, was off work for 12 months, but estate is nice now and all the residents are
recognises outstanding service by individuals admits he returned back to the job as soon as really grateful to us,” said Phil.
who go over and above what is required by he could. “It’s nice when we can make lives
their job. “The officer I was working with couldn’t better. We try to get into the families nice
Phil received his award at this year’s go back to the job,” he added, “But I knew I’d and early, doing home visits to those kids
ceremony, which took place on 30 September rather be on the frontline than sitting behind we know have an interest in joining the
- the first in two years, after last year’s event a desk. Plus, I’d never had a day off, so sitting police. We really like to engage with the
was cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic. at home recovering in a comfy chair just youngsters.”
“I still can’t believe I won,” added Phil, wasn’t for me.” Now 53, Phil says making that major
whose wife joined him at the event. Another highlight of Phil’s career was career change almost two decades ago
The father-of-four and grandfather-of- when he managed to track down and arrest was the best thing he ever did.
one added: “My wife was straight on social an offender who had violently attacked a sex He ended: “I’m very lucky to do the job I
media. So everyone knew I had won straight worker. do.”
16 federation December 2021/January 2022 www.polfed.org/westmids