PCSO Fiaz Ismail, pictured, was handed the Commitment to Professionalism Whilst Overcoming Adversity accolade at the Commissioner’s Excellence in Total Policing Awards.
The 38-year-old dad of three said: “My wife Maria did all the hard work looking after our children while I was in hospital. She probably deserves the medal more than me.”
Fiaz was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer, hairy cell leukaemia, in October 2013.
After undergoing chemotherapy at Barts hospital – and suffering an allergic reaction to his medication – the PCSO decided to return to work just weeks later in January last year.
“I was doing my job. I had a mortgage to pay. I thought ‘I’m too young to put my feet up. I’m too young to die. As soon as I was well enough, and the doctor agreed, I came back to work. Since then I’ve been back at work in the town centre and hopefully making a difference,” said Fiaz, who lives in Ilford with wife Maria and children Zara, 8 , Sarah, 6, and Iman, 3.
The awards, in central London last Tuesday, also recognised Redbridge PCSO Graham Farrance, who was shortlisted for PCSO of the year, and Operation Theemin, the team which investigated corruption at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court.
Det Con Vicky Scammell, Det Con Meemal Dave, Det Con David Jones and Det Sgt John Arnold led the probe which saw clerk Munir Patel jailed in 2011 for taking bribes.
Redbridge borough commander Ch Supt Sue Williams said: “I’m extremely proud of my staff. They represent all the officers that work extremely hard here in Redbridge.”
