KENT Police's use of thermal image cameras will be recognised when the force receives the Bullard SOAR Award (Save Or Apprehension Recognition) at a ceremony on July 5.

The award acknowledges the forces's best practice and pro-active use of thermal imaging equipment across the county, with particular emphasis on a life-saving incident with the detection of a missing person who was close to death at the time of discovery.

Chief Supt Molloy will receive a plaque on behalf of the force and three officers from West Kent Police will be presented with commemorative coins.

He said: “Kent Police has always been willing to embrace the use of new technology. Thermal imaging has proved to be a valuable tool in fighting crime across Kent, as well as helping Kent Police to save a life.”

In May 2007, a man who had a history of depression and was on several types of medication, left messages with his crisis team stating he needed help.

At about 5.30pm Kent Police were advised that the man had gone missing and was last seen entering an area of dense woodland, approximately two miles long and three-quaretrs of a mile wide.

From about 6.10pm about 20 officers were engaged in the search and two possible sightings meant that the search area could be contained.

Officers using Tac-sight, a thermal imaging camera, moved along paths and trails checking the area 10 metres either side.

As a result of a thermal image from his body, the man was discovered in darkness at about 10.30pm, face down, concealed behind a fallen tree.

Medical staff confirmed that he would have soon died if he had not been found.