IT is a case of police officers just doing their jobs.

But 50 officers who have gone that extra mile have been commended at the Divisional Commander’s Awards.

The officers were honoured for diffusing dangerous situations, curtailing drug dealing and working with young people to combat anti-social behaviour.

Joining them were members of the public who helped police during a number of incidents.

A judge’s commendation was given to Diane Ellis who provided evidence against a suspect who was subsequently convicted of three burglaries.

Sheila Dunford and Patrick Wayne Clayton were commended for their courage in notifying the police of two firearms in a basement despite the fear of reprisal from a tenant. This led to the recovery of the firearms and a large amount of controlled drugs.

Student Christopher George, 19, a former pupil at St Patrick’s RC School in Birkby, leapt into action following a multiple road traffic collision in icy conditions.

And Paul Wheldon followed three men carrying a stolen television after he phoned the police.

Kirklees police commander Chief Supt John Robins said: “Each and every day officers and staff from Kirklees police do a fantastic job to bring criminals to justice and keep people safe, as well doing important work to improve communities.

“These awards can only ever offer a small token of the huge respect, pride and admiration I have for the work they all do for the people of Kirklees.”

Others receiving awards include a team of officers responsible for putting 200 young people through an alcohol awareness programme.

Headed by Inspector Adrian Waugh from Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Police Team, and supported by Richard Woodhead, Chris Atkinson, Hayley Parks and Jill Addy, the Alcohol Impact Course has been such a success that there has not been one repeat offender.

Heckmondwike Pc Richard Clarke was the first officer on the scene to a report that a 13-year old girl who had experienced a troubled family life and was in foster care, was threatening to jump from a motorway bridge.

Pc Clarke spent 20 minutes talking to the girl and was able to gain her trust sufficiently for the girl to be carried back over the barriers and to safety.

Sgt Zaheer Abbas was commended for his efforts to save a man who had set himself on fire at a house on Fairmount Terrace, Dewsbury, in May. Sadly the 77-year old man died from his injuries but Sgt Zaheer acted with little regard for his own safety to try and save the man.

Huddersfield Pc Craig Nicholls was commended for building a rapport with a man who was a risk to the public and persuaded him to return to hospital voluntarily, diffusing what could have been a very dangerous situation.

PCSO Claire Whitwam was commended for setting up the RAPT program, relieving boredom in young people during the holidays in the Newsome Ward through directing them to different activities.

Pcs Richard Farrand and Richard Woodhead were commended for their dedication in making Huddersfield town centre a much safer place to visit in respect of licensed premises.

Sharon Mellor was praised for her role as a PCSO in Kirkburton and Sgt Paul Denton was commended for his work in road policing. He is in charge of traffic police in Huddersfield.

Sharon Beckett, Det Con Russell Conlon, Det Con Darren Parkinson and Det Con Bryan Butterworth were praised for their dedication and attention to detail in developing an intelligence system in curtailing their criminal activities.

Others to receive awards include; Paul Clarke (Heckmondwike), Pc Dennise Bell (Heckmondwike), Pc Benjamin Stephens and Pc Louise Simpson (Dewsbury), Allan Davey, Pc Richard Clarke (Heckmondwike), PCSO Rachel Rose, Pc Michelle Linney (Heckmondwike), Pc Phil Alexander (Dewsbury), Special Pc Kirsty Kinghorn.

As part of Operation Greystoke, which has seen a large number of drug dealers convicted, the following officers were commended.

Det Sgt Damien Roebuck, Sgt Ian Thornes, Det Con Ian Green, Pc Nicole Rubio-Senior, Det Con Mark Walker, Det Con Joanne Sutcliffe, Pc Andrew Clayton, Det Con Pete Usher, Det Con Carla Senior, Det Con Andrew Shaw, Det Con Justin Dhurmea, Det Con Oliver Scoones, Trainee Investigator John Wallace, Pc Iain Campbell, Pc Kris Roberts.