The awards are open to all Areas and Departments across the Police Service.

Ballymoney had nominations in three of the categories and all were short listed in the top six across the Service, with pride of place going to Sergeant Trevor Johnston in the 'Lifetime Achievement' category.

Trevor has just retired after 31 years service, the last number of years he was the dedicated leader and motivator of the very pro-active Ballymoney Neighbourhood Team.

The Neighbourhood Team was short listed for the 'Team' award mainly due to the work with youth intervention projects it has spearheaded throughout the year including the acclaimed Peer leadership Programme.
The local Community Team were joint third in the 'Diversity in Action' category for their work in schools, trying to conquer prejudice.

Speaking after the event Inspector Noel Mitchell (Sector Inspector Ballymoney) stated: "It is a tremendous achievement for a small area like Ballymoney, but I am not surprised. The calibre of officer we have is very high and those here to day have proved they are worthy representatives for the whole Ballymoney team."

He continued, "It goes to prove that big is not always best – we have local officers, known to and working with local people to produce local solutions. That is what Neighbourhood Policing is all about."

In a special mention to Sergeant Johnston he said, "Trevor will be a big loss. He was a people person and nothing gave him more pleasure than actually doing something for someone. He has left a great legacy and a great opportunity for someone else to build upon." He concluded by saying, "Although Ballymoney continues to be one of the safest places to live or work in, we will continue to work in partnership with other agencies and groups to make it even better.

We believe we can do that." Alderman Cecil Cousley, Chairman of Ballymoney District Policing Partnership, congratulated Ballymoney PSNI on their recent successes at the Awards ceremony.

Alderman Cousley thanked all of the local officers for their contribution towards better policing in Ballymoney and, in particular, wished Sergeant Trevor Johnston all the very best in his retirement.