POLICE staff from Southend, Basildon and Canvey have been nominated by the public- who go above and beyond the call of duty- for a Hero Award.

Last month Essex Police gave members of the public the chance to nominate employees for a Public Hero Award.

Nominations include a Southend officer who works tirelessly to combat drug dealing in the town, a specialist domestic abuse investigator described as ‘a voice of reason’, a member of the Southend Local Policing Team who has gone above and beyond to help a girl understand the importance of online safety, a Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer passionate about community spirit and a Special Constable who gives up his free time to work with Essex Police.

Essex Police is holding the annual awards ceremony in October and residents are being given the chance to decide on the winner of this award- introduced for the first time this year.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh said: "Every day I have the pleasure and pride to witness examples of police officers, members of police staff and Specials going beyond the call of duty.

“This year we gave you the opportunity to nominate ‘unsung heroes’ who you thought deserving of wider recognition. We’ve received some great nominations so please take a look and cast your vote for your Public Hero 2016.”

The nominations have been shortlisted to ten by a panel of judges and members of the public are now able to have their say on the winner by voting in a poll on the Essex Police website.

Amongst those shortlisted are police officers, members of police staff and Specials nominated in recognition of their dedication to the community they serve, bravery or going the extra mile to do something really special.

The list of the ten nominated are: Pc Steven Bliss is part of the Local Policing Team in Southend.

He’s been nominated by a mother who wants to thank him for helping her daughter understand the importance of online safety.

His nominator said: “Pc Bliss is the only police officer who has been able to make a break through with my daughter. He is a fantastic police officer and I am very thankful.”

Pc Phil Collie is also part of the Local Policing Team in Southend. He has been nominated because of his tireless work to combat drug dealing in the town.

His nominator said: “Despite the huge pressure the police is under, Pc Collie has worked tirelessly on this issue. He has only ever shown kindness and understanding and his impressive service surpasses all expectations.”

Dc Calley Mackay, who is based in Basildon, worked closely with a family following a traumatic domestic abuse incident.

Her nominator said: “Calley listened, reassured us and kept us informed every step of the way.

“She was constantly available for us all and never once judged us. Without Calley supporting us through this traumatic time, I don’t think we would have survived as a family in the way that we have.”

Pc Keith Corry is a specialist Domestic Abuse Investigator based in Basildon.

Pc Corry has been nominated by a woman who describes him as her ‘voice of reason’.

She said: “When times have been tough due to family circumstances, Pc Corry has always been there. There were points where I thought I couldn’t go on but thanks to his hard work and wise words everything now makes sense.

“He is without doubt a hero and I can’t thank him enough.”

Pc Ahren Perry works on Canvey Island and is described by his nominator as an officer with a ‘heart of gold’ who ‘puts his heart and soul’ into his job.

They say he is always there to help whether there is a child in trouble or an elderly person in need.

Others nominated include Jackie Ball- a former PCSO who covered the Chafford Hundred area of Thurrock, Former Essex Police officer Colin Freeman- the Essex Watch Liaison Officer for Epping Forest, Brentwood and Harlow, Nikki Geaves- the Equality and Diversity Co-ordinator at Essex Police, Pc Michael Lee- from the Colchester Local Policing Team and Pc Samual Perry.

Members of the public can read about each of the nominees and cast their vote in the online poll at www.essex.police.uk/publichero.

The poll will remain open until midday on Thursday, September 8, 2016 and the winner will be announced following our awards ceremony on October 11, 2016.