A POLICE chief has been handed a lifetime achievement award for his outstanding contribution to policing and his community.

Chief Inspector Colin Seaton was last week presented with the award by Thames Valley Police’s Chief Constable Sara Thornton.

Wycombe’s Deputy Area Commander, who has served as a police officer for almost 30 years, was nominated by colleagues and members of the public.

He said: “I’m honoured and humbled to be achieving this award for something that has become so much more than just a job for me.

“In each of the roles that I have performed, it has been the support from my colleagues and our communities that have made my career a rewarding experience, creating a lifetime of memories.”

Ch Insp Seaton joined the police as a constable in Windsor and worked the beats in Slough, Langley and Burnham over a 12 year period.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and then inspector in 2002, before he was made chief inspector in 2009.

Ch Insp Seaton has worked for the Public Protection Unit, Major Crime and trained would-be detectives at the Police Training College.

He played a key role in securing Wycombe's Purple Flag and has worked closely with the award-winning Community Safety Team.

Superintendent Ed McLean, the Wycombe Area Commander, said: “This award is highly deserved.

“Colin has dedicated his professional working life to serving Thames Valley Police and the communities it serves.

“In particular it was pleasing to get so many letters of support from community members and local partners for Colin with the award recognising the contribution that he has made.”

One of the letters submitted by a resident states: “Colin has been exemplary in his commitment to the community, his commitment to partnership working and his professionalism.

“He has made an outstanding contribution to the local area. Crime has reduced significantly while he has been based here.”