A part-time police officer from Macclesfield has been commended for his dedication to public service during the pandemic, even when he wasn't supposed to be working.

Nikolai Kalka - who has a full-time job for Tesco in Stoke-on-Trent - is also part of Cheshire Constabulary's Reserve Police for Macclesfield.

He has been a Reserve Police Officer since August 2013, but it was when the pandemic began and policing became harder, that the part-time copper worked even harder for the emergency service.

Despite still working as a Senior Manager at Tesco during lockdown, Nikolai decided to continue as a Reserve Police Officer and risk contracting the virus in his two jobs to serve our community.

This led to him even taking time off his main job to dedicate himself to the force, despite the economic situation brought on by the pandemic.

As a result, the Macclesfield Local Policing unit constable who used to live on Victoria Road has been recognised with an award.

Nikolai picked up Cheshire Police's Special Constable of the Year award on Friday October 15.

His employer said: "Special Constable Nikolai Kalka took three months' unpaid time off from his own workplace and devoted this to the Constabulary during the pandemic, assisting with not only the Covid-19 response but all other aspects of policing.

"Nikolai has been deployed to a multitude of incidents and has thrown himself into all aspects of the job, showing an abundance of enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

"With no aspirations to join the Constabulary full-time, his devotion to public service along and his commitment, motivation and professionalism have been nothing short of exemplary."

Macclesfield Nub News has contacted Nikolai for comment.

"I was really honoured to be able to work with some great policeman from Macclesfield to work during the pandemic.

"I was in a very fortunate position that one job allowed me to switch to the other."

Nikolai's gong was part of the Achieving Cheshire Excellence, the seventh annual event which took place at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa on Chester Road in Knutsford.

Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said: "The ACE awards are a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the sterling work and incredible achievements of Cheshire's talented officers, staff and volunteers.

"I am proud of them all for their efforts to make our county an even safer place to live, work and visit.

"All those who attended the presentation could not have failed to have been impressed by the inspirational stories of the award winners and the other shortlisted finalists going the extra mile to keep Cheshire residents safe. I certainly was."

Also praised for an award in a separate, internal ceremony, were Macclesfield coppers who saved the lives of 22 humans and a dog in treacherous snowy weather.

Please click here to read that story.

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