Constable Paddy Moore has been recognised by his colleagues as a ‘great ambassador for the constabulary’.
He has been nominated in Isle of Man Newspapers’ Community Police Officer of the Year Award by St George’s and Murrays ward manager Mike Griffiths on behalf of the officers.
The nomination is backed by Linda Pott, manager of Waterstone’s in Strand Street, following the support he has given them over the last 18 months in his role as Douglas town centre officer, helping to run the Shopwatch scheme.
He works with a number of primary schools in Douglas and Braddan and provides cover as coroner’s officer.
Mike said the award could have been created for Paddy: ‘Paddy is passionate about the community and everybody knows him, not just in Douglas but wherever he has policed over a 20 year career.
‘Paddy always goes the extra mile for everybody and as an officer walking in the town with him it takes an age as everybody stops to talk to him.’
He said he was ‘conscientious, hardworking and always has a smile on his face, adding: ‘Paddy has a knack for putting people at ease and he has built up some fantastic relationships with partners such as Waterstones who donate unwanted books for Paddy to forward on to those in most need.
‘Paddy was nominated last year by Kewaigue School who stated that “nothing is too much trouble for Paddy”. I am speaking for all my colleagues who would wholeheartedly agree with that statement.’
Chief inspector Phil Shimmin said: ‘He is a great ambassador for the Constabulary and he is trusted by the community he serves.’
Linda said Paddy checks on the store regularly after helping with an incident 18 months ago. On one visit, Paddy was explaining his work with the elderly and schools when she realised she could help by donating advanced reading copies of new books they receive.
‘We’re really lucky to have him as a police officer as he is very caring,’ she said.
Paddy, who has three daughters and lives with his partner Vicky in Peel, said he ‘thoroughly enjoys’ his job.
He said it was a ‘great compliment to be nominated’, adding: ‘I don’t see anything that I do as out of the ordinary. Making the Isle of Man a safe place to live is what drives me.’
• To nominate an officer email jackie.turley@newsiom.co.im