Courage and Compassion in Oxfordshire

This morning I had the privilege of attending the Oxfordshire Commendation Ceremony for Thames Valley Police – a moment to recognise officers, staff and members of the public whose actions have made a profound difference to people’s lives across our county.

As High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, my role is rooted in supporting the judiciary, upholding the peace, and championing those who work tirelessly to protect the vulnerable. Today’s ceremony brought that purpose into sharp focus.

What moved me most was the extraordinary bravery and thoughtfulness shown by officers working in the most complex and sensitive situations. Several commendations were awarded for safeguarding work of the highest quality: officers who intervened decisively to prevent suicide, who supported survivors of domestic abuse with compassion and steadiness, and who protected children whose lives were at risk. Their professionalism was matched by humanity, and the impact of their actions was evident in every citation read aloud.

These officers did not simply manage incidents – they changed outcomes. They offered kindness, clarity and courage in moments when people were frightened, overwhelmed, or deeply vulnerable. It was humbling to hear.

There were also special commendations for members of the public whose instinctive compassion helped keep a child safe here in Oxfordshire. Three teenagers from Bicester – playing together in a local park – came across a naked five-year-old boy who had lifted the latch at home and wandered out without his parents’ knowledge. He was neurodiverse and non-verbal, alone and exposed to the cold.

The boys responded exactly as we would hope any good citizen might, yet with an exceptional level of maturity. They gave him their coats to keep him warm, called for assistance immediately, and stayed by his side until help arrived. Their instincts were kind, calm and responsible. It was a genuine pleasure to see them honoured for their care and quick thinking.

Throughout the ceremony, one theme stood out: that safeguarding is a shared endeavour. Whether in uniform or simply going about daily life, the people recognised today acted with a conviction that every person in this county matters – every child, every adult, every stranger in distress.

I left the event proud of the officers who serve Oxfordshire, proud of our communities, and profoundly grateful to those who step forward when someone else needs them.

Our county is safer because of their service, their compassion, and their willingness to act.