SENIOR specials officer, Commandant Richard Palusinski, celebrated the proudest night of his career on Wednesday May 1 when he received a long-service award from Chief Constable Elizabeth Neville.

The annual C-Division parade took place at the new police HQ in Melksham last Wednesday.

Commandant Palusinski, 49, of Cowley Way, Sutton Benger, has been in charge of the Wiltshire specials force since October 3.

He was promoted from Divisional Officer for C-Division, covering Warminster to Cricklade, a position he had held since 1995.

"I was absolutely delighted, because it's an award for length of service and you know it is well deserved," said Commandant Palusinski, who has been a special since October 1972, when

he started at Burnham-on-Sea.

Wife Jennifer and next-door-neighbours Tony and Nickie Evans, were at the ceremony to see the freelance management consultant pick up his award.

Special Constable Tim Emery, 29, who is based at Calne, was awarded the Chief Constable's Prize for the rapid time he completed his training.

It can take up to two years, but SPC Emery completed it in six months. He now plans to join the regular force.

Graham Hurst, the C-Division administrator, said SPC Emery had completed his training quicker than any other special ever in the division.

"It is a big achievement and in my view I have nothing but admiration for people like him who give up their own time to be part of the police force," said Mr Hurst.

Section Officer Ian Dorling, who is responsible for Chippenham, Calne and Corsham, received a long-service medal.

He joined the specials in May 1991 in Suffolk.

He was promoted to section officer in 1994, and has been working in Wiltshire since March 1999.