MACCLESFIELD based Special Police Constable Nikolai Kalka has received an award from the Cheshire force for his efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He was named Special Constable of the Year in Cheshire Constabulary's annual ACE (Achieving Cheshire Excellence) Awards.
The awards are the force's highest accolades that can be awarded to an individual or team that has gone that extra mile or demonstrated exceptional commitment to policing in Cheshire.
This year's ceremony was the seventh annual event and took place at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa on Chester Road in Knutsford.
The ceremony heard how Special Constable Kalka took three months' unpaid time off from his own workplace and devoted this to the constabulary during the pandemic, assisting with not only the Covid-19 response but all other aspects of policing.
A force spokesperson said: "Nikolai has been deployed to a multitude of incidents and has thrown himself into all aspects of the job, showing an abundance of enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
"With no aspirations to join the constabulary full-time, his devotion to public service along and his commitment, motivation and professionalism have been nothing short of exemplary."
Other award winners include the force's Rural Crime Team. Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "The ACE Awards offers the chance to highlight and celebrate this work and the outstanding individuals and teams responsible for it.
"The award winners and shortlisted finalists thoroughly deserve recognition for their dedicated service to both the force and the communities we serve."