Hampshire police officer David Fuge who recently tackled gunman is rewarded for long service

Sgt David Fuge, who has served with Hampshire police for 22 years, was one of several officers and staff across Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to be awarded medals for long service and good conduct at this year's Chief Constable's Award Ceremony at Police Training Headquarters in Netley on Thursday.

He is the third generation of his family to devote their life to public service. His grandfather, William Fuge, served as an officer with the British Transport Police for 27 years while his father, Peter Fuge, spent 37 years in policing across Hampshire, eventually retiring as an Inspector.

Sgt Fuge joined the force in 2000, following proudly in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

He has served in a number of roles from area car response at Southampton to his current role as the Roads Policing Proactive Sergeant in the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit.

During his service Sgt Fuge has been involved in a number of high profile incidents and investigations and was recently recognised for his bravery when tackling a male in possession of a live firearm and ammunition.

The constabulary said that throughout his 22 years and counting of policing he has shown that he is an inspirational leader who shows great tenacity and dedication to his role, ensuring the continued success of the highly respected Roads Policing Unit, and we thank him greatly for his continued service.

Sgt Fuge, 40, said: ‘I saw my father had a good and happy career in the police and decided to follow in his footsteps.

‘I'm very positive about my career. I've had a fantastic time in different roles from custody to crime teams to area car teams, and there's never been a day when I didn't want to get up and go to work, which is very rare.

‘I started my training straight out of college aged 18 so it was one of my first ever jobs. I love the variety of the job because you get into work not always knowing what you will be doing that day.

‘I enjoy the responsibility and just making a difference really, serving the community by solving crime, making people’s lives happier, supporting victims of crime and just seeing the positive impact you have on them and being able to put some of their worries to bed.’

Acting Chief Constable Ben Snuggs said: ‘I am delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate all of our officers and staff for their dedication to public service.

‘Serving our communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for over 20 years is a huge commitment and I know the legacy of the Fuge family in policing extends over several generations which makes this all the more impressive.

‘I want to personally thank Sgt Fuge, and all of the recipients of long service and good conduct medals and long service certificates, as well as those who have delivered exceptional work in fighting crime, protecting the public and helping us improve our service.’