LOCAL police officials shone at the Western Cape South African Police Services Prestige Awards which were held last week.
Not only did Paarl police station commander Snr/Supt Mzwandile Tiyo walk away with the accolades as Station Commander of the Year, but Wellington policeman, Insp Pierre Hugo, was crowned Policeman of the Year.
Since Snr/Supt Tiyo took over the reigns as Paarl station commander two years ago, there has been a noticeable decline in crime in the area.
Insp Hugo is renowned for his exceptional work within the rural community of Wellington.
Paarl police station also boasts another feather in its cap, with star detective Insp Jason Petersen being a runner-up in the category Best Detective of the Year.
Paarl police station received a nomination as Station of the Year.
These awards are held annually to honour policemen across the province who go the extra mile in serving their community.
This year’s ceremony was held at the Old Mutual Centre in Pinelands.
Snr/Supt Tiyo said that the fact that Paarl Police Station had been nominated goes to show that they are winning the fight against crime.
“Only ten police stations in the whole of the Western Cape had been identified as finalists for these awards.
“To be nominated is in itself a great achievement, as every functional aspect of a police station is judged.
“The most important criteria is the fact that we have managed to bring our crime rate down.
“We have also come up trumps as having a quick reaction time and being highly dedicated in serving the community in general.
“This nomination would not have been possible without the dedication of the entire staff of the Paarl police station.”
At the ceremony, Marina Puchert of Paarl Police Station and Sandra Greene of Paarl East Police Station were honoured for 30 years’ service.
