Suffolk inspector receives national award for volunteer work as police cadet leader

A Suffolk police officer has won a national award for his involvement in Suffolk Constabulary Volunteer Police Cadets.

Inspector Matt Breeze was given the Leadership Award at the annual Lord Ferrers Awards which recognise outstanding contributions to volunteering in policing.

The awards took place in London on 12 October.

Following his prize Insp Breeze said: “I was shocked when I heard the news. I was one of a number to pick up awards relating to volunteering in policing from across the UK, I felt honoured to be recognised alongside other very deserving winners.”  

As well as his role as cadet leader at the Ipswich unit, the 43-year-old is also the Locality Inspector for Ipswich East SNT, which includes Kesgrave, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and the surrounding area.

On balancing the two roles he said: “It can be difficult to fit in cadets around the demands of my officer job but supported by my fellow leaders and with the positives it brings, it’s worthwhile. 

“I have gained so much from my time as cadet leader. I started volunteering when I was a response officer and felt the policing interaction with young people was mainly around enforcement. 

“I feel that young people are a key part of our community and the police’s contact with them is so important, the cadet scheme helps build engagement, gives young people an insight in to policing and lets them give something back to the community.”

“The best moments from my time as a cadet leader have to be seeing cadets from all different background achieve something meaningful for them – whether this is joining as police officer, being away from home for the first time, climbing up Snowdon or using experiences in the cadets to get a job or into college.”

Insp Breeze first joined Suffolk Constabulary in 2001, volunteering as a Special Constable, before becoming a regular officer in 2010.

Police Cadet Coordinator Neil Paterson, who nominated Insp Breeze for the award, said: “Matt's dedication and positivity is unparalleled. He is a role model to any group he works with, showing others, irrelevant of rank or role, what can be achieved through helping others.

“Matt’s dedication and drive to leadership and creative thinking has provided a positive and lasting impact on many lives through his passion for helping others to realise their potential.”

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones said: “Suffolk has brilliant cadet leaders and Matt’s journey through policing is inspiring: he has given enormous time and commitment to leading cadets, many of whom are now part of our policing family.”

Suffolk Constabulary’s Citizens in Policing Manager Karen Harris BEM added: “I am thrilled that Matt received this national award in recognition for his contribution to the Suffolk cadet scheme, Matt has been a massive support to me since cadets came into my portfolio in 2016. 

“He was part of the implementation board when our cadet scheme was first set up and then set up the Ipswich Cadet unit alongside PC Trevor Spinlove, as volunteer leaders.  

“Matt has been an exceptional leader ever since then and his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm as a cadet leader is incredible and I am very grateful for all he does for the Suffolk’s cadets.”

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “This is a fantastic accolade for Matt, and well-deserved. On top of his full-time job as a local policing inspector Matt devotes his own time to support our cadets. He really is an inspiration.”