Police proves a force for love

LONG service awards for James and Alison Troisi

TWO senior Greater Manchester Police officers who met during police training and became a couple have received long service awards for their dedication to the force.

Chief Insp James Troisi and wife Det Sgt Alison Troisi joined GMP in 1996 and quickly fell in love.

The pair met during their uniform fitting and were engaged six months later, as soon as they had completed their police training.

They were both presented with their long service awards by Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling at a ceremony held at the Hough End Centre on Wednesday.

CI Troisi didn't know anyone when he moved to Manchester from Cardiff but over the past 20 years he has shown commitment and determination.

He has received recognition for different aspects of his work, including as duty inspector during the Shaw gas blast explosion in 2012 and also for his involvement with an operation that focused on the sale of specialised martial arts weapons in the Northern Quarter.

DS Troisi started at the Oldham Division as a response officer and was promoted to the Child Abuse Investigations Team in 2007 before joining the Serious Case Review team at Nexus House last year.

Her colleagues nominated her for a Divisional Commanders Award for her outstanding leadership and her long service award will stand alongside her Chief Constable Excellence Award for Partnership Working.

James said: "When I first met Alison it was love at first sight, but I assumed she was out of my league. I wasn't very domesticated when I first joined the police, so when she offered to help me with my washing and ironing, I took that as she fancied me!

"Receiving our long service award means a lot.

"We have achieved a lot in our careers and we are proud of that. We have loved bringing up our three children together, Elle, Betty and James and they, as well as our careers, have kept us extremely busy."

James has recently been promoted and will be moving to West Yorkshire Police to work on a change programme.

Alison said: "To get this far in our career and to be awarded together is very special. Starting a career in the police was very daunting but having my best friend with me has made it easy.

"I was instantly attracted to James when we first met; he was so handsome and full of fun. He is still my best friend, my shoulder to cry on and my coach. Without his constant support and motivation I would not be a sergeant now."