Dramatic tales of heroism by police officers and members of the public were revealed at a special night to honour Kirklees’ finest.

And one of those who went the extra mile to keep their communities safe was Dalton resident Michelle Simpson who battled to try and save a little boy.

She and others were commended at the Kirklees District Commander’s Awards at Huddersfield University.

Chief Insp Marianne Huison told around 100 invited guests the heart-breaking story of a three-year-old boy who had inadvertently strangled himself in a blind cord at his home in Dalton.

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Marianne said neighbour Ms Simpson heard the boy’s mother’s cries for help and ran to help, calling an ambulance and starting CPR until paramedics arrived.

Marianne said: “This award involves a really tragic incident. The mother didn’t speak any English. Distraught and in shock she ran out into the front garden. The mother was hysterical and carrying the child in her arms.”

Police awards at Quayside, Huddersfield University. Chief Superintendent Steve Cotter with Michelle Simpson.

Sadly the child did not survive but Ms Simpson was commended for giving him a fighting chance and giving hope to the boy’s family.

PCSO Melanie Towers received an award for her tenacity which led to the arrest of an agitated and violent man wanted for recall to prison.

Chief Insp Tony Nicholson described her as “our own Sarah Lancashire.” He said the drama occurred in the Dewsbury area.

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“Mel chased him. Knowing that he was cornered she saw him appear on the balcony.

“He started throwing large pieces of furniture and tins of food at her. She managed to usher everyone away.

“One member of the public was so impressed with her actions that he wrote a letter praising her.”

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Others who received awards were Darren and Theresa Tyrrell, James Auterson and Park Ranger Paul Mullany, nurses Gail Tinker and Helen Riley, Street Ranger Monica Simpson, Sainsburys security officer Tom Wrigglesworth, PC Kathryn Jagger, PC Rosaleen Hird, Prim Mumford and Richard Tedder, analyst Karen Field, PC James Berriman, PCSO Jonathan Smith, PCSO Katy Taylor, PCs Liam Martindale and Christopher King, PS Zaheer Abbas, PC Louise Scholey, PC Natalie King, PC Carly Shooter, PC Laura Jackson PCSO Jonathan Arey, PCSO Morgan Cockroft and PCSO Paul Simpkins, PCSOs Peter Larrad and Steve Lowman and PC Harvey Bingham.

There were also plaudits for DC James Bellhouse and Senior Analyst Chloe Froggett, Acting PS James Bellhouse, DC Adam Johnson, and analyst Penelope Kaye.

Kirklees Chief Supt Steve Cotter said: “I am immensely proud of the work that is going on on a daily basis across Kirklees district by our officers, staff and volunteers.”

Police awards at Quayside, Huddersfield University. Chief Superintendent Steve Cotter congratulates Street Ranger Monica Simpson.