Two Fife police officers are to be recognised at a national awards ceremony for their dedication to serving the community.
PC Ross Fisher and Sergeant Judson Howie have been shortlisted for awards at this year’s Scottish Police Federation (SPF) Awards.
PC Fisher, hailed as a role model for Fife children, has been shortlisted in the Community Commitment category.
Meanwhile, Sgt Howie has been nominated for the SPF’s Cops’ Cop of the Year Award for the dedication he has shown to his colleagues.
PC Fisher, a schools campus officer who covers three high schools in Glenrothes, supports youngsters who may be being bullied or have low confidence, and often manages to identify and intervene in problems before they develop.
He is also a black belt in Taekwondo and has run a local martial arts club in his free time for 25 years.
PC Fisher offers events outside of school for pupils to see the benefits of physical exercise while also widening their social circle and improving their confidence.
Pam Davie, headteacher at Auchmuty High School, which PC Fisher covers, said: “Ross is very much part of our school.
“He has strong relationships not only with the young people but with the staff, and also the parents – he’s been around a long time, he knows the families really well. And that is integral in a community like ours.
“Ross has done a really good job, we really value his input.”
Going above and beyond the call of duty
Sgt Howie has been praised for regularly going above and beyond the call of duty by making his colleagues’ welfare a top priority.
The officer is now planning an outdoor safe space with two benches, fencing and plants, giving colleagues a place to rest.
PC Fisher said: “It’s been massive for me not only obviously for keeping me and being able to defend myself, but in terms of self-esteem, confidence building, it’s been great for me and has helped me a lot in my role.
“This links in well with my job as a school officer. I personally think taekwondo helps children make positive choices and I would certainly encourage people to get involved in it when they can.”
Sgt Howie said: “I came to Kirkcaldy and noticed there was limited space and a lack of available space to have sensitive conversations with staff or anywhere for staff to go.
“We’ve done a lot in terms of trying to make their job easier for them, trying to improve the station for them, trying to improve wellbeing for them.
“They’ve recognised the small changes we’ve made locally and how it can improve their own wellbeing and make their job a bit easier for them.”
David Hamilton, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “There can be no greater honour than to be recognised by your peers for work that spotlights what being a police officer is all about.
“Both PC Fisher and Sgt Howie have shown immense dedication to their community and colleagues.”
Conversation