A Special Constable who has dedicated thousands of hours of his own time to community policing and training has been honoured by Bedfordshire Police.
Liberato Lionetti, who is known as Libby to his many customers at La Piazza on St Paul’s Square, was among 19 officers and staff celebrated at Bedfordshire Police’s Long Service and Chief Commendation ceremony held on Thursday (26 January).
The event celebrated outstanding work and marked the long service of 10 police officers and staff who started their careers more than 20 years ago including Special Constable Lionetti for his dedication to community policing and training Police cadets during 19 years of service.
“I always wanted to be a police officer, but my dad told me to get a restaurant. So I got a restaurant but I had a lifelong ambition to join the police,” Libby told the Bedford Independent.
“When I had an opportunity to become a special constable I took it and I’ve never regretted it. I still have my business, my family and now I’m training cadets. It’s been the best of both worlds.
Libby said he felt honoured to be sat alongsdie the other officers receiving awards saying, “I was humbled to be in the same room with them.”
“I do a lot of training now and I have a passion to support young cadets to help them with their future – whether it’s with the police or another career.”
Also commended for their efforts was the detective who led a fraud investigation involving the theft of £1.7m of antiques from a Bedfordshire pensioner and the team who helped lock up an abusive couple for a total of 35 years.
Investigation Officer Dave Brecknock received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his work investigating the theft of dozens of valuable jade and ivory ornaments over a six-year period. The three ringleaders were jailed for a total of 16 years.
Also praised were the team who brought to justice a couple who had sexually and mentally abused children. Detective Sergeant Rebecca Breed and Detective Constable Nina Bradbury were commended for their work in securing lengthy prison sentences in relation to the non-recent sexual offences, physical abuse and neglect.
Police staff member Beth Cavill was also recognised for her life-saving efforts to save an elderly man on her way to work.
Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst said: “At a time where policing is coming under heavy scrutiny, it was great to celebrate the positive and I would like to thank my officers and staff for everything they do which often goes under the radar.
“We heard stories of outstanding contributions to protecting the public and incredible career histories. It was a great pleasure to personally thank people for their dedication and commitment to keeping Bedfordshire safe.”
Officers from the Armed Policing Unit, Public Protection Unit, Crime, Intelligence and Community teams were also recognised at the event, while officers and staff from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) and Joint Protective Services were among those to receive long service and good conduct medals.
