Guernsey PC earns three top accolades for saving a life

PC James De La Mare has received three top honours at the BLE Awards for saving an islander's life whilst off-duty.

The police officer was given two Chief Officer's Commendations, the highest internal Law Enforcement accolade, and a Chief Inspector Richard Mauger Award for aiding someone who was suffering a heart attack and cardiac arrest.

PC De La Mare was on his way to a haircut but found himself half an hour early to his appointment, so he was waiting in his car at Albert Pier when he noticed something strange.

A motorcyclist took a double-take whilst driving on the St Peter Port road, which triggered the off-duty officer to inspect what was happening.

That is when he discovered a commotion with people looking paniced and a woman on the floor, collapsed.

Immediately, he says his training kicked in, and he found the nearest defibrillator.

PC James De La Mare (centre)

His life-saving CPR meant Tina Collenette, who was on her way to the Emergency Department when she collapsed, still lives to this day.

PC James De La Mare says he managed to meet up with Tina at the Police Headquarters a few months later.

"I was approached by my Chief Officer, who had been contacted by Tina, and she was trying to reach out to me.

"I gladly accepted her offer to meet with her at the police station in March.

"It was a very special moment for me, and I know it was for Tina as well.

"It was a great thing to see her and how well she's doing, especially after such a traumatic incident.

"It felt really nice to have a chat with someone that I had helped on that day."

Alongside PC James De La Mare, 10 other officers also received Chief Officer's Commendations, including:

• Police Constable Elizabeth Argent,
• Police Constable Aimee Browning,
• Police Constable Daniel Hopkins,
• Police Constable Chad Sweet,
• Police Constable James Fordyce,
• Police Constable Raoul Sanchez,
• Detective Constable Hannah Coutu,
• Police Constable Sophie Browning,
• Police Constable Silvio Abreu,
• Higher Executive Customs Officer Stephanie Batiste.

This award will be considered in incidents such as acts of bravery or for performance that far exceeds what would usually be expected from a person with their level of experience or training.

Other awards were also given out at the BLE evening on 2 April 2025:

Law Enforcement Certificate of Recognition

These are awarded when members of the wider community provide valuable assistance to Law Enforcement, together with people who go above and beyond their duty in volunteering or helping others.

• Guernsey Civil Protection

Len Townsley Award for Meritorious Service to the Community

Len Townsley was a former Guernsey Sergeant who was keen to ensure that links were forged between the Guernsey Police and the community of the Bailiwick.

On his retirement in 1984, he presented a salver and stand to be awarded annually by the Chief Officer to the serving officer who had contributed the most to community engagement in the preceding year.

• Special Constable Wendy McAuley
• Special Constable Jeremy Masterman

The Special Constabulary Sergeant Frederick Le Noury Trophy

This award recognises dedication, commitment and service to the ‘B’ Division of the Special Constabulary.

• Special Constable Joshua Nelson

Committee Award for Sporting Achievement

Nominations are sought in respect of serving members of Law Enforcement, officers or staff, who have competed as individuals or in teams in their own right or when representing the Guernsey Police and/or the Guernsey Border Agency.

• Deputy Chief Officer Philip Breban

The Andrew Ozanne Trophy for Charitable Achievement

This award is made to the individual or individuals who have been judged to have made the best effort for charitable purposes.

• Police Constable Jack Penfold

The Francis Quin Trophy for effective team working

This award is open to all Law Enforcement staff, individuals or groups that have provided an outstanding contribution to effective team working.

• BLE ICT Project Team: Marie Mauger, Police Sergeant Stephen Gilman, Darren Ringland, Tristan Naylor, Chief Inspector Liam Johnson

The Chief Inspector Richard Mauger Award for Outstanding Achievement

• Police Constable James De La Mare

The Chief Officer George Le Page Award for Outstanding Achievement by a member of police staff

Nominations are sought to recognise outstanding achievement by a member of Police staff.

• Marie Mauger

The Chief Officer Rob Prow Award for Outstanding Achievement by a member of Customs & Immigration Staff

Nominations are sought to recognise outstanding achievement by a member of Customs & Immigration staff.

• Higher Executive Customs Officer David Ferry

Crimestoppers Achievement Award

• Poppy Murray

The Guernsey Police Association (GPA) Unsung Hero Award

This award is made to a serving Police Officer who has gone beyond the day-to-day call of duty and shown inspiring leadership by stepping up.

It recognises an individual who has made a difference by going the extra mile and going above and beyond expectations within their role.

• Police Sergeant Julie Smith