A CARDIGAN police community support officer has told how he was overwhelmed with emotion on learning he was the Dyfed-Powys Police winner of the #WeCare award.

Former army officer Matthew Kieboom, of Aberporth, told the Cambrian News it had been “amazing” just to discover he was among the six officers nominated by members of the public.

“On the night itself I was blown away when I was announced as the winner,” he said.

“I held it together going up to the stage and made it to the back of the room where I was meant to be interviewed.

“I turned around and there was a video playing where all the people who had nominated me, including colleagues and public, were interviewed - I was truly overwhelmed at that point. Seeing all these people who thought I had made such an impact in their lives was heart-warming and it just brought home that the work I was doing was really making a difference.”

A PSCO for the past five years, Matthew was nominated for ‘providing the highest level of care to members of the community he works in - from joining in local events to providing support and re-assurance to individuals through difficult times in their lives.’

“I am lucky in that I cover the villages north of Cardigan, including a large stretch of coastline,” he reflected. “It truly is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

“On top of that the communities themselves are very proactive and supportive of my role. It’s a joy to be able to integrate with them, support them and try and tackle any issues that are raised."

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