Smiles were tinged with sadness as Sussex Police presented awards to officers who dealt with the Lewes floods.
Lewes divisional commander Superintendent Simon Parr was proud to receive a Merit Certificate but he was also reminded of the hardships people endured.
He said: "It broke your heart when you saw people's homes wrecked after the waters had receded.
"Most of us can appreciate what it is like having a power cut or your water cut off or when your telephone line is down. But unless you saw the devastation in Lewes at first hand, or it was your home affected, you cannot fully appreciate it.
"All we as an emergency service could do was to help as much as possible."
Mr Parr was presented with his award for being an "excellent ambassador" for Sussex Police in working with local authorities and agencies to co-ordinate the response to the flooding.
MPs commented upon his achievements in the House of Commons.
Inspector Neil Moscrop also received a Merit Certificate for "displaying exemplary leadership skills" as he directed and briefed staff during the crisis.
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