Salisbury Sergeant awarded for his "courage" after running towards arsonist

Police Sergeant Chris Noke stopped a man from setting himself and a victim on fire with petrol

Police Sergeant Chris Noke has been awarded for his "courage" and "integrity"
Author: Ana Da SilvaPublished 27th Jan 2023
Last updated 31st Jan 2023

A Salisbury police officer's been awarded for his "courage" after stopping a man from setting himself and a victim on fire with petrol.

The incident happened in June 2022, at an undisclosed address in Salisbury, after the man had previously attacked the victim at a pub and followed them home.

Sergeant Noke has been commended for displaying "considerable courage in his actions" as he "ran towards a known arsonist, detained him and ensured the safety of those present".

He was among at least seven officers to receive an excellence award, at an awards ceremony organised by Wiltshire Police.

A spokesperson from Wiltshire Police said:

"Sergeant Chris Noke is awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation in recognition of the courage and integrity they showed on 1 June 2022.

"On the day in question Chris Noke was Acting Sergeant in Salisbury when a call was received to say that a man had attacked a member of the public in a pub.

"A call was received from the victim of the initial incident to say that the suspect was at his home address and trying to get inside their house.

"A/PS Noke was the first to arrive at the scene and radioed to say that the suspect was there. His next transmission was to say that the suspect was pouring petrol on himself and the victim.

"Then, he updated the control room that he had detained the suspect, providing a calm, clear explanation of his actions."

Acts of "selfless duty, courage, compassion and professionalism" were put in the spotlight at the Wiltshire Police Awards, held this week in Chalk, in Pewsey.

It's the last Wiltshire Police Awards ceremony to be held under the leadership of Chief Constable Keir Pritchard, who's due to leave the post this summer.

During the ceremony, he paid tribute to the "outstanding" contributions made by officers, staff, members of the public and volunteers in keeping communities safe.

Chief Constable, Kier Pritchard, said:

“It is perhaps more poignant for me this evening, as this will be the last awards ceremony I attend in my capacity as Chief Constable. As most of you know, I will be retiring in the coming months so tonight is my final chance to pay tribute to the incredible work, compassion and dedication of those who choose policing as their vocation.

“Our Force Awards ceremonies are extremely special; they are a moment for us to stop and reflect on the service you have provided, often across decades, and a time to recognise those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.”

He added: “Policing is far more than a job to many of us in this room; it becomes part of who we are and a vocation we dedicate ourselves to.

“We step forward to selflessly protect, serve, keep the peace and deliver the best service we can for victims.

“Police officers, police staff and volunteers take up this vocation, knowing the risks and dangers, yet freely commit themselves to protect others.”

At the same ceremony, at least nine other officers were given Long Service Awards.

The following is not a complete list as some recipients opted for their award not to be publicised.

Long Service Awards

CHIEF INSPECTOR JAMES BRAIN

SERGEANT JAMES ROBBINS

POLICE CONSTABLE DARREN FOULGER

POLICE CONSTABLE LEE PELLING

CATRINA HOPKINS

CLARE MILLS

VERONICA BROWN

SPECIAL CONSTABLE SELENA HUMPHREY

NIGEL TODD

Chief Constables Certificate of Excellence:

HAYLEY CHAPMAN

DETECTIVE CONSTABLE TOM TURNER

SERGEANT CHRIS NOKE

POLICE CONSTABLE LUKE WHEELER

POLICE CONSTABLE LUKE HOBBS

ADAM JONES

REECE STAPLETON

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