A prestigious honour for retired officer

“This is for us”. That was the message from a retired Sergeant who has received a prestigious police award.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st May 2015, 09:02 BST
Michael Bowden with his Wesy Yorkshire Policing Award.Michael Bowden with his Wesy Yorkshire Policing Award.
Michael Bowden with his Wesy Yorkshire Policing Award.

Former Upper Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant, Michael Bowden, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 West Yorkshire Police Awards for his leadership, ability to build public confidence and being a “shining example of community policing”.

Mr Bowden, who is now a driver for Calderdale Council’s transport services, said: “My name’s on the award, but really it should say the police and community because everything we achieved, we achieved together.

“It’s for the whole of Calderdale and our partners.

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“We have brought down crime and we have made people feel safer.”

During his 26 years with the police - 13 of which were spent in Todmorden - Mr Bowden went on countless drugs busts, found hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of assets hidden by criminals, taken hundreds of illegal road users off the highways of Calderdale and helped restore public order during the Bradford riots.

“I’m proud to have served for Calderdale police. It was emotional leaving. It’s been a big part of my life. It’s a big family in Calderdale Police and it was fantastic serving with them,” he added.

Elsewhere in Calderdale District, Halifax Town Centre Team won the Colin Cramphorn Trophy for Contribution to Neighbourhood Policing and PC Kevin Scott won Student Officer of the Year,