Novichok 'Thank You' to every member of Wiltshire Police

Published by Henrietta Creasey at 5:49am 2nd July 2019.

2 minute read

There's a touching gesture from the force's Chief Constable and Police and Crime Commissioner following the nerve agent attacks.

The force was faced with the biggest incident in its history when a former Russian spy and his daughter were found unconscious on a bench in the Maltings on March 4th last year.

Now every officer, police staff member,special constable and cadet serving between then and the end of 2018 is to receive a card and badge for their "tremendous support."

Thank you Salisbury policing hub for your brilliance during 2018. The world watched as you provided reassurance and confidence across your community following the Novichok nerve agent attack. Proud to say thank you to you today #oneteam pic.twitter.com/o4jtl8qVKU
— Kier Pritchard (@wiltspoliceCC) June 27, 2019

Wiltshire Police also had to cope with the fact one of their own officers was left critically ill after coming into contact with the nerve agent used to poison Sergei Skripal and his daughter.

Nick Bailey, Salisbury Police — Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey was left fighting for his life after the nerve agent incident.

The ongoing challenges of the operation and the subsequent death of Dawn Sturgess undoubtedly put a strain on many officers.

Speaking in August last year Wiltshire's Chief Police Constable explained the impact on his officers.

"They've have had to sacrifice spending time with their loved ones, cancel or postpone their personal plans, work long hours in extraordinary conditions and all under the eyes of a global audience."