A sergeant from Newham’s police force who was diagnosed with MS has been recognised for his outstanding work in staff support, management, and tackling the borough’s gambling problem.

Sergeant Andrew Pettet, 39, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015. While he takes daily medication for his illness, which is progressive, he refused to reduce his working hours.

At the Met Police’s annual awards ceremony on Friday, he was given a special recognition award for his management and support of Pc Jason Lewis.

“I’ve been working in Newham since 2009,” he said.

“The highlight of my time here was working with Jason’s team in July 2016, it was one of the best groups of police officers I have ever worked with. “Every single one of those men was at the top of their game.”

Pc Lewis died of cancer in October 2016. Sgt Pettet, his line manager, spent two years providing extra support to Pc Lewis as he battled his illness and he also helped with funeral arrangements and financial affairs after his death. He is still in regular contact with Pc Lewis’ family and continues to offer support.

He helped establish the ‘Jason Lewis Award’, which goes to the most outstanding constable in Newhamevery year. The winner is chosen and voted for by local constables, and honours Pc Lewis’ constant strive for high standards.

He said: “Quite often when people are put forward for commendations, it’s done by sergeants or those higher up. Because Jason was a police officer, I wanted something where people could be nominated by their peers. The first guy who won it happened to be a friend of Jason who’d worked on the force for 30 years.”

Sgt Pettet was also recognised for his dedication to tackling Newham’s problems with the betting industry. He has worked with premises with licensing problems and has organised numerous closures of crack houses.

The sergeant was also recognised at the 2017 London Problem Orientated Partnership with Awards in November, which promotes the work done by police in resolving recurring crimes, disorder, or public safety.

Sgt Pettet’s team were awarded joint gold with Enfield for their work in safeguarding tenants vulnerable to drug dealers.