By J. Brock (FINN)
Officers of the Royal Falkland Islands Police attended a reception at Government House at 1830 on Tuesday, 23 April 2002. Thirty eight guests looked on H. E. the Governor Mr. Donald Lamont awarded Clasp and Rosette was given to Sgt. Graham Didlick, the Police Colonial Long Service Medal awarded to Supt. Dave Morris and Governor’s Commendations were presented to Insp. Len McGill, DS Jon Butler, Sgt. Graham Didlick, LPC Gary Webb and former “Q” Mines, Mr. Alan Geech. The presentation was followed by the award of the Police Federation Plate to Simon Mawdsley, who was the best recruit.
Sgt Graham Didlick is in the Support and Training Branch of the Royal Falkland Islands Police. He began his Police career in Shrewsbury in 1976 and joined the Royal Falkland Islands Police in 1989. He was promoted to Sergeant in March 1991 and received his first Police Long Service Medal in December 1994. “There is no doubt that Graham has given the Police a long and loyal service,” said Superintendent Morris.
Superintendent David Morris, the Chief Police Officer, came to the Falklands in 1981 as a Royal Marine. He married a local woman, Alana Lee, in February 1982. After serving in the Royal Marines for 13 years, he returned to the Falklands as a civilian and was self-employed until 01 April 1984 when he joined the Police Force. Dave Morris worked his way up the ranks, as Crime Prevention Officer, inspector in 1991 and in 1999, he was promoted to Superintendent upon the retirement of Ken Greenland.
LPC Alan Geech, Sgt. Graham Didlick and LPC Gary Webb were, on 19 July 1999, involved in a serious firearms incident following a robbery at the FIDF Armoury. Shots were fired and a chase and stand-off ended successfully, thanks to the Police Officers’ bravery, skill and dedication to duty.
PC Simon Mawdsley achieved a very high standard during his recruit training course and as a result, he was chosen as the Top Recruit.
