A truly dedicated Chippenham police officer has been given a long service award.
Sergeant Jamie Ball joined Wiltshire Police in June 2003, serving communities across the county for more than 20 years.
In 2014, he was hailed a hero – alongside PC Nick McVey – after entering a burning building in Station Hill, Chippenham, in a bid to save a woman who was feared to be inside.
Firefighters later confirmed that nobody was in the flats, and a woman was later charged with arson with intent to endanger life over the incident.
Sgt Ball’s bravery and commitment to duty were recognised in 2014 with a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Commendation for responding to a flat on fire, courageously entering to search for casualties.
He has completed attachments to both the Drugs Squad and Pro-Active Team, and has maintained a deep-seated passion for uniformed policing.
In 2009, Sgt Ball achieved the Counter Terrorism Licenced Search Officer certification – a role held with dedication for the past 15 years.
He was also deployed to the 2017 Champions League Final in Cardiff and the 2021 G7 Summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall.
Sgt Ball’s bravery and commitment to duty were recognised in 2014 with a Chief Constable’s Certificate of Commendation for responding to a flat on fire, courageously entering to search for casualties.
In 2017, another Chief Constable’s Commendation was awarded for Outstanding Teamwork, acknowledging Sgt Ball’s work in relation to a murder investigation.
Since 2020, Sgt Ball has held leadership roles in Response and the Royal Wootton Bassett Neighbourhood Team.
In January 2023, he was appointed as the Chippenham Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant where he remains today.