WHETHER he is on or off duty Sgt Stephen Burke always strives to champion the people of Thetford.For 15 years he has worked with the community and helped to make the town a better place to liveAnd now he has been recognised for his dedication by being crowned police officer of the year at the 2009 Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs).

WHETHER he is on or off duty Sgt Stephen Burke always strives to champion the people of Thetford.

For 15 years he has worked with the community and helped to make the town a better place to live

And now he has been recognised for his dedication by being crowned police officer of the year at the 2009 Norfolk Safer Community Awards (NOSCAs).

Sgt Burke, 41, said: “I was surprised and quite chuffed to win the award.

I do not do my job for a thank-you, but this was a very special thank-you and I really appreciate it.”

Sgt Burke moved to the town in 1985 and joined the police in Thetford in September 1993.

He was a beat officer on the Barnham Cross and Redcastle Estates before becoming part of the town's Community Action Team and later the Thetford Safer Neighbourhood Team.

“I have always thoroughly enjoyed community police work,” said Sgt Burke who is married and has two sons.

“There are six active community groups in Thetford and I try to go to as many of their meetings as I can.

“I know most people in the area on a first name basis and I think that is important to find out their problems and concerns.

“I live and work in Thetford and if I can put something back into Thetford then that is brilliant.

“I love working with all the different groups. We all want the same thing - to make Thetford a better place.”