A SPECIAL Sergeant who has dedicated nearly two decades to the communities of Teignbridge has been recognised at an award ceremony.

Special Sergeant Penny Chudley received a Long Service Medal in recognition of nineteen years of dedicated voluntary service with Devon & Cornwall Police, having joined on October 21, 2005.

A Special Sergeant is a volunteer supervisory rank within the UK police special constabulary, acting as the first level of leadership for Special Constables.

They hold the same powers as regular officers but are unpaid volunteers responsible for mentoring, guiding, and coordinating teams of Special Constables to support, operational police work and community engagement.

Penny is a core member of the South Devon senior leadership team and brings a wealth of experience and professional insight to her role.

Drawing on her safeguarding expertise from her work with the Council, she has provided many years of committed service to the communities of Teignbridge.

She has played a significant role in developing others, mentoring Special Constables in Newton Abbot and supporting the effective induction of new officers.

Chief Constable Vaughan also said: ‘Our Special Constables give up their own time to serve their communities and support the force.

‘Their commitment is exceptional, and evenings like this give us the opportunity to publicly thank them for their dedication and professionalism.

‘These awards recognise not only length of service, but the consistency, dedication and high standards demonstrated by our officers and staff every day.

‘We are extremely proud of everything they have achieved and the difference they continue to make to the communities we serve’.