Police Bravery Awards 2012 - Brochure (PDF) - Polfed.org

Police BraveryAwards2012

Police Bravery AwardsDavid CameronDavid CameronPrime MinisterThe Police Bravery Awards are a fitting tribute tosome of the most extraordinary acts of courage andservice this country has ever seen and it is an honourto be supporting them again this year.We ask our police officers to do so many brave anddifficult things on our behalf: they all deserve ourrespect, support and admiration. We ask them tobear responsibilities which others could nevershoulder and to take risks heading into the verysituations from which others would run away. Thisevening is an opportunity to recognise this and toexpress our heartfelt thanks and admiration for allthat they do to protect our families, our homes andour neighbourhoods.It is also a fitting moment to remember all thoseofficers who have been injured in the line of dutyand those who sadly have made the greatest sacrificeof all, losing their lives while protecting ours. In thelast few months we have all been shocked andsaddened by the utterly barbaric shootings of PCsIan Dibell, Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone. Theirloss has been felt by the whole country, as well astheir families and the colleagues they workedalongside. But their memory will be honoured everyday – not least by all those who continue to serve.I want to thank The Police Federation of Englandand Wales and Police Mutual for organising theseawards and, on behalf of the whole country, to say ahuge thank you to every one of our police officers fortheir bravery and service in keeping us safe.1

Theresa MayTheresa MayHome SecretaryOur police officers are the finest in the world. It is they who step forward whenothers stand back and it is they who, unarmed, put themselves in harm’s way toprotect others. I never cease to be inspired by the courage which they show on adaily basis. It is both a great pleasure and an honour, therefore, to join the PoliceFederation in paying tribute to those celebrated in the Police Bravery Awards.Paul McKeeverPaul McKeeverChairman, Police Federationof England and WalesToday marks the 17th Annual Police Bravery Awards at which we celebrate theremarkable acts of heroism demonstrated by police officers throughout England andWales. These officers and their actions truly exemplify the fine model of BritishPolicing that is renowned worldwide and a service of which we are immensely proud.Fifty-three officers have been nominated this year, all have demonstrated exceptionalacts of bravery, going above and beyond the call of duty. Words cannot describe thecourage and commitment of these outstanding officers.With the service in the midst of such tumultuous times, even more credit is due tothese officers and their colleagues for their unending dedication to duty. Their pride,determination and courage should be an example to us all. As police officers, we neverlose sight of the fact that we are ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. Todaygives us all the opportunity to honour those who put the safety of others before that ofthemselves.Congratulations to all nominees. You are a true credit to the service and today wecelebrate your bravery.Stephen MannStephen MannChief Executive, Police MutualI’m honoured and proud to be able to support such an important event that recognisesthe outstanding bravery of police officers who put themselves in danger everyday, inorder to save and protect the lives of others.While this may just be part of their job to them, the modesty and fearless action ofthese men and women are extremely humbling and I hope that being nominated goessome small way in showing our gratitude and appreciation of what they do. All oftonight’s nominees should be extremely proud of their remarkable courage andoutstanding actions.Javed KhanJaved KhanCEO, Victim SupportI am proud that my charity Victim Support works closely with police forces acrossEngland and Wales to help victims of crime get through their ordeal. We all need torecognise and celebrate the great bravery of police officers in fighting crime andcatching criminals. We must also though commend the courage the police show, dayin-day out, in supporting victims and witnesses in a dignified and sensitive way. Thatis why I am delighted to join the Police Federation in paying tribute to thosehonoured in this year’s Police Bravery Awards.2

Police Bravery AwardsPolice Bravery awardThe Police Bravery Award is given for the most outstanding act of courage by amember of the police service in England and Wales in placing themselves at risk ofserious injury.Nominations are made by branches of the Police Federation from forces acrossEngland and Wales.Police Bravery AwardLast Year’s WinnerPC Hislop receives award fromHome Secretary, Theresa May,with Paul McKeever, Chairman,Police Federation of Englandand Wales.Last year, heroic Met officer, PC Hislop, was voted the bravest officer in England andWales.The gala evening was attended by fifty-nine of the most courageous police men andwomen from forces throughout England and Wales. The ceremony followed areception at 10 Downing Street where officers were greeted by and photographed withthe Prime Minister, David Cameron and Home Secretary, Theresa May.PC Hislop received the overall winner award for his bravery in single-handedlytackling a gang warfare situation.Responding to a call to a notorious gangland estate, he drove into the middle of tworival gangs fighting in the street and they were armed with dangerous weaponsincluding a petrol bomb. He bravely exited his vehicle and placed himself between thetwo groups. In the midst of violent threats, he went on to arrest one of the youths,dispersed the fight and gave commentary to enable other officers to make arrests foraffray as the gangs fled the scene on hearing approaching sirens.Victim Support AwardOutstanding Contribution to Supporting Victims and WitnessesThis is presented to a serving police officer who has made an outstanding contributionto supporting victims and witnesses of crime, ensuring that they are able to accessjustice and find the strength to overcome the effects of crime.Thanks to JudgesWe would like to extend a special thank you to all the bravery judges who each year have anincredibly difficult task of choosing heroic acts from an abundance of outstanding braverynominations. The panel includes the founder of the awards and former FederationChairman, Fred Broughton; Stephen Mann, Chief Executive, Police Mutual; co-foundingmember of the committee and fallen officer widow, Angela Hammond; Baroness HelenNewlove of Warrington; Sir Hugh Orde OBE, President of the Association of Chief PoliceOfficers (ACPO); Derek Barnett, President of the Police Superintendents’ Association ofEngland and Wales; Paul McKeever, Chairman of the Police Federation of England andWales; and Javed Khan, CEO, Victim Support. Our sincerest thanks to you all for the timeand dedication you have given in making these awards the occasion they have become today.3

2012

Police Bravery AwardsAvon and SomersetConstableGrant Goulden“After a mammoth effort,PC Goulden pulled the manthrough the water to afloating pontoon where theywere both pulled from thewater by fire and rescuepersonnel.”Heroic officer rescues man from freezingharbourOn a freezing December evening in 2010, when airportswere closed and weather warnings had been issued upand down the country, officers in Bristol responded to adistressed call from a member of the public claiming adrunk man looked near to jumping into the freezing docksin central Bristol. A short time later he did.When the police arrived at the scene, where crowds ofrevellers had gathered, the man was visibly struggling inthe near-freezing water. Due to the icy conditions, officerswere advised not to go in after him.PC Grant Goulden decided to take action. After severalfailed attempts to throw the man a rubber support, PCGoulden made the snap decision to plunge in after theman. He removed his outer clothing and without anythought for his own safety jumped 12ft from the dock sideand swam out to the male in the middle of the dock.PC Goulden said; “You could say I was a bit of an idiotto jump in. It’s very hard to explain what it was likewithout being there. There was a large group of peoplegetting increasingly agitated and I was thinking if thisperson does die, we could have a riot on our hands.”After a mammoth effort, PC Goulden pulled the manthrough the water to a floating pontoon where they wereboth pulled from the water by fire and rescue personnel.Due to the freezing temperatures both PC Goulden andthe man suffered hypothermia and were transported tothe Bristol Royal Infirmary.Without PC Goulden’s quick thinking and courageousactions the man would certainly have died. PC Goulden’sactions epitomise the tremendous sacrifice and selflessnessshown by officers in their efforts to protect the publicfrom harm.5

CheshireConstableKate Hinds“I saw the man was holdinga large kitchen knife…I didn’t realise untilafterwards how dangerousit was.”Brave Cheshire officer single-handedlytackles ‘high’ knife wielding manIn mid-February, 2011, whilst dealing with a domesticincident in Warrington, PC Kate Hinds becameconcerned by three men in the road behind her who hadrecently left the Jolly Tanner pub.Whilst continuing to deal with the initial incident, PCHinds rang for back up via her radio as she spotted aknife in the hands of one of the males who appeared to beaggressively confronting the other two.Hurriedly approaching the males she called for the knifewielding man to drop the weapon. The man, who was notonly very large but extremely intoxicated, ignored PCHinds and continued to threaten the two men withviolence.PC Hinds said; “I saw the man was holding a largekitchen knife…I didn’t realise until afterwards howdangerous it was. At the time I just thought ‘I’ve got to getthat off him’. My training took over.”After her second request was ignored, PC Hinds drewher incapacitant spray and released it on the man whostarted to stagger off up the street.Staying at a safe distance, PC Hinds followed the man,repeatedly requesting him to drop the knife. Eventually hedid.Once the male had moved away from the knife, PCHinds arrested and handcuffed him. This was all donebefore any other patrols had arrived to help.PC Hinds displayed incredibly sound judgement andfearlessness in the face of danger, demonstrating a selflesspassion for keeping public order.6

CumbriainspectorDennis Kelly“Inspector Kellyimmediately tackled theman, pushed him upagainst the counter andmanaged to control the gunby placing his hand on theweapon.”Brave Cumbrian officer tackles armedrobberOn his way home from work, Cumbrian officer,Inspector Dennis Kelly stopped to get petrol. As hepulled into the forecourt he noticed a suspiciouslooking male whose face was obscured by a hoodedtop. Instead of filling the car with fuel he headed tothe cash machine to get a better view of the pay boothand then proceeded to approach the man from behind.At the counter when the cashier asked for money, thehooded man pulled out a gun from his pocket andpointed it in his face. Having witnessed what washappening, Inspector Kelly immediately tackled theman, pushed him up against the counter and managedto control the gun by placing his hand on the weapon.He wrestled the gun free and deposited it in theservice hatch, shouting for the cashier to call 999.Armed police were sent to the scene and the man wasarrested on suspicion of attempted armed robbery.Superintendent Andy Towler, Cumbria Constabulary,described Inspector Kelly’s actions as “an incrediblybrave and professional act from a dedicated policeofficer.”A relative of the petrol station worker said: “We werehugely impressed by the actions of this officer. He wasamazing. After everything the Cumbria Police hasbeen through in recent months, bravery like thisshould be recognised.”8

Police Bravery AwardsDerbyshireConstableMathewWinterbottomConstableLeigh Gyte“Without the quickthinking actions of the twoofficers, all three of themwould have died.”Officers risk their lives on rail tracksto rescue womanTwo Derbyshire officers, along with officers from theBritish Transport Police, responded to an anonymous callthat a female was threatening to commit suicide. Usingtheir local knowledge and intelligence from her mobilephone they headed for Dinting train station near a largeviaduct.The two officers, PC Leigh Gyte and PC MathewWinterbottom started their search. The area was darkand they conducted their search using only a torch tolight the way. Overhead were live electrical cables. Theywere led to believe that there had been a ‘stop’ request onall rail traffic on the line.Responding to what sounded like a mobile phone beingactivated, they headed up the track and some 50 metresfurther on they located a female lying across the track.The officers tried to persuade the woman to leave thetracks but she was uncooperative and abusive.The British Transport Police suddenly shouted for theofficers to get off the line as a train was coming throughwhich would not be able to stop.The female, who remained uncooperative and was laterrecognised as having mental health issues, had to bephysically dragged from the track. The officers hadliterally just carried her four metres away from the trackbefore the train raced past.Without the quick thinking actions of the two officers, allthree of them would have died. Their bravery andcommitment to the safety of the public is highlycommendable and acts as an inspiration to us all.9

Devon & CornwallConstableGareth Hawken“Racing to the scene, PCHawken carried out aquick but thorough riskassessment of the premisesand raised the alarm.”Officer tackles blazing inferno insearch of elderly residentsWhilst attending an incident on Boxing Day in StAustell, PC Gareth Hawken suddenly became awareof smoke and flames emerging from a residential homefor the elderly.Racing to the scene, PC Hawken carried out a quickbut thorough risk assessment of the premises andraised the alarm.Spotting the entrance to the burning building helowered himself to the ground and crawled into thebuilding to check for remaining occupants. The smokeand flames were stifling and beat him back to theentrance. He then became aware of an adjoiningbuilding which also needed to be evacuated. He didthis with the assistance of his policing colleagues.The occupants of the burning building were foundsafe in a nearby residence and police were able toconfirm that all residents were accounted for, reducingthe risk to the fire crew.Whilst some residents had to be treated for smokeinhalation, PC Hawken’s actions and quick thinkingnot only ensured the safety of all residents and the firecrew but prevented any serious injury or harm. Hiscourage is to be commended.10

Police Bravery AwardsDorsetConstableJacqui Ellis“Single-crewed PC Ellis,fled her vehicle andconfronted the woman,instructing her to put downher weapon.”Brave Dorset officer single-handedlytackles matricidal murdererOut on routine patrol, PC Jacqueline Ellis respondedto a report that a woman was walking through thestreets of Boscombe brandishing a large blood stainedknife.As the intelligence gathered and more informationfiltered through, it became clear that the victim wasknown to the police, had mental health issues and hadallegedly stabbed and killed her mother.As PC Ellis made her way to track the woman, shewas flagged down by a member of the public whopointed her out. Clutching the blood stained knife, shewas walking towards a woman and two youngchildren.Single-crewed PC Ellis, fled her vehicle andconfronted the woman, instructing her to put downher weapon. The woman refused and menacinglybrandished her weapon.Courageous PC Ellis single-handedly tackled thewoman, disarmed her with the use of her PAVA sprayand detained her until back up arrived.The woman posed a significant and very real threat tomembers of the public; having killed her motherearlier that day. Knowing this, PC Ellis showedexemplary bravery and calm in the face of potentialdanger. Her selfless actions and fearlessness are atestament to her professionalism and act as an exampleto us all.11

Dyfed PowysConstableRhys Evans“As the female approachedthe Freemans Way BridgeI realised if she continueddown the river it wouldbecome impossible tofollow her.”Brave officer’s night river rescueIn the early hours of a cold January morning, officersresponded to reports that a young woman had fallendown a weir and was being dragged by the strongcurrent along the River Cleddau.When the officers arrived at the scene the woman haddisappeared under the surface. When she eventuallyresurfaced, she was dragged by strong currents for afurther 350 metres.Officers chased the girl along the riverbank throwinglifelines to her but she was unable to reach them.PC Rhys Evans, one of the officers at the scene, wasgravely concerned that if she was not rescued soonshe’d be swept away with the current and would die.He said, “As the female approached the FreemansWay Bridge I realised if she continued down the riverit would become impossible to follow her.”PC Evans dived into the water and grabbed hold ofthe girl. With the assistance of his colleagues, theypulled her up the steep bank. The girl, who had beenin the water for 10 minutes, was rushed to hospitalwhere she was announced stable.Following a shower, change of uniform and a cup oftea, PC Evans completed the rest of his shift.PC Evans acted not only bravely, putting his life onthe line to save a member of the public, but this alsohighlights the dangerous situations police officers findthemselves in during the course of their daily duties.12

Police Bravery AwardsGloucestershireSergeantTrish McCavera“On searching the man’shouse, numerous firearmswere found. A loadedhandgun was found underthe bed.”Brave officer single-handedly tacklesarmed manResponding to an emergency call, Sgt Trish McCaverarushed to a residential address where it was reported aman had discharged a firearm and was seriouslyinjured.On arrival at the scene, Sgt McCavera was met by theman’s wife who hysterically informed her that herhusband was losing a lot of blood.Paramedics had arrived at the scene and were rightlyconcerned about entering the house. It was highlyprobable the man was still in possession of the firearm.Sgt McCavera was informed support officers were ontheir way but would be some time. Fearing for theconsequences of any further time delays, SgtMcCavera entered the premises to check the welfareof the man and ensure safe passage for the paramedics.With little regard for her own safety, Sgt McCaveramade her way into the house and was confronted by ahighly aggressive man who was lying on the bed witha serious wound to his chest. The man hurled intensiveverbal abuse at Sgt McCavera and refused to do anyof the requests made of him.Eventually, Sgt McCavera managed to restrain theman and handcuff him. This allowed the paramedics toadminister some urgent treatment.On searching the man’s house, numerous firearmswere found. A loaded handgun was found under thebed.Sgt McCavera’s actions helped keep members of thepublic safe and prevented any further casualties andno doubt saved the man’s life. Her courage andbravery are to be highly commended.13

Greater ManchesterConstableGary Marshall“The offenders’ vehicle thendrove over his midriff andaway from the scene.”Heroic officer stops armed robbers andsaves colleagues’ livesDuring a routine training patrol, officers responded toreports of an armed cash-in-transit robbery. PC GaryMarshall, who at the time was tutoring two PCSOs,drove towards the Leisure Centre where the incidentwas taking place.On arrival at the scene, he spotted the offenders anddrove right up to the vehicle to prevent their escape.Commanding the two PCSOs to stay in the car, PCMarshall got out and tried to stop the men gettingaway. Realising their path was blocked one of theoffenders got out and attacked the body of the carwith a crow bar. The offenders then used their car toram the police car out of the way.The police car was shunted - PC Marshall wasthrown clear of the car and landed half on thepavement, half on the road. The offenders’ vehiclethen drove over his midriff and away from the scene.Whilst both of the PCSOs received whiplash, thanksto the order given and the actions by PC Marshall,neither sustained any serious injury. His actions alsoprevented the offenders taking anything. PC Marshallhowever sustained many physical injuries and incurreda two week hospital stay.PC Marshall’s actions epitomise the instinctivebravery most police officers have inherently withinthem. Without fear for his own safety but concern forthe safety and wellbeing of his colleagues, he selflesslyset about tackling the robbers and prevented themfrom getting away with any money.14

Police Bravery AwardsGwentSergeantStephen DraytonSergeantGareth Lougher“The woman was fightingto find pockets of air andstruggling for her life.”Brave officers rescue trapped womanfrom waterEarly one Saturday morning, two officers responded toan emergency call that an accident had resulted in awoman trapped underwater in her car.Racing to the scene, knowing that time was of theessence, Sgt Gareth Lougher and Sgt Stephen Draytonarrived before the emergency services to find a crowdof people staring down at the car in a brook below.The car, which it transpired had been hit by another,had been shunted down the ravine, overturned andlanded roof down in the brook. The car was nowrapidly filling with water and the female passenger wastrapped inside.Locally the brooks are notorious for the silt and plantsthat entangle movement. Without fear for their ownsafety, both officers jumped into the water and begantrying to free the woman.The woman was fighting to find pockets of air andstruggling for her life. Their efforts to open the doorwere thwarted by the water but one of the officersgrabbed a hooly bar, smashed the window, removedthe pane and eventually the two officers pulled thewoman from the car.Response Officer, Martyn Smith said, “One can onlyimagine the panic and terror Emily went throughduring those long minutes. Had it not been for thequickness of thought and tenacity of Sgt Drayton andSgt Lougher, she may well have drowned as peoplelooked on helplessly.”Both officers displayed incredible bravery, enteringwater known to be dangerous and without fear fortheir own safety to put the trapped woman first. Theirresourcefulness and quick thinking undoubtedly savedher life.15

HampshireBrave officer tackles armed assailantConstableAlexanderStypulkowski“In a sinisterly calm waythe man toldPC Stypulkowski,‘You’re going to die’.”PC Alex Stypulkowski was deployed to assist socialservices and the firearms team while they sectioned a man,previously known to have taken his mother hostage, underthe mental health act.On arriving at the scene and spotting the male, PCStypulkowski gave chase. PC Stypulkowski realised hehad become separated from his colleagues and foundhimself in a dark road surrounded by bushes and treeswith no one around.The chase stopped and the man turned to face PCStypulkowski, brandishing a screwdriver. In a sinisterlycalm way the man told PC Stypulkowski, ‘You’re going todie’.PC Stypulkowski swiftly drew his CS gas and sprayed themale who was walking calmly towards him. Despite this,the man continued walking. PC Stypulkowski then drewhis ASP and he struck him on the leg causing him to fall.In doing so, he pulled the officer to the ground with him.As the two men fought, the assailant pulled PCStypulkowski's jacket over his head, disabling his vision.At this moment, the officer felt sharp blows to his upperback and neck. He was being stabbed.Another officer arrived at the scene and the man ran off.Both officers gave chase. The man leapt out from behind acar brandishing the weapon and shouted; “I’m going to killyou”.PC Stypulkowski once again used his CS spray andshouted for assistance. The other officer (firearms)deployed his Taser and the man was arrested.At the hospital it was discovered that PC Stypulkowskihad been stabbed in the head and neck. One stab woundnarrowly missed his jugular vein.PC Stypulkowski’s actions that day epitomise the courage,commitment and true tenure of being a police officer. Hisdetermination to arrest the man despite near fatal injuriesto himself is highly commendable and acts as an exampleto us all.16

Police Bravery AwardsHertfordshireBrave PC intervenes during gang attackConstableBernadetteMcGilloway“PC McGilloway wasunaware that the man wasarmed with an eight inchkitchen knife.”In the early hours of a Saturday morning, PCBernadette McGilloway and her colleagues were onpatrol in the town centre when they noticed a largegroup of youths being violent and disruptive.Without hesitation, the officers intervened and PCMcGilloway ran after two youths who were chasinganother man.The two males, having caught up with the third man,began kicking and punching him before the officercould intervene. PC McGilloway’s brave actions werecaught on CCTV as she immediately disabled oneyouth with PAVA which resulted in the second youth towithdraw with the threat of PAVA.The remaining gang members began to gather roundthe officer as she tried to protect the man. She foughtoff some youths as they tried to continue the assault.PC McGilloway was unaware that the man was armedwith an eight inch kitchen knife. He subsequentlyproduced the weapon and brandished it at the officer.He then threw it at her and attempted to run away.However, PC McGilloway maintained her composure,continued in her efforts to maintain the peace and gaveassistance to the youth she had earlier sprayed withPAVA.The officer then recovered the knife used against herand efficiently updated colleagues, leading to the man’srapid arrest just a few hundred yards away.He was convicted of the relevant offences a few dayslater and a warrant issued for his arrest.The District Judge, Mrs Alison, highlighted thebravery and professionalism shown by PC McGillowaythroughout the altercation, despite the deliberate attackon her and risk to her own safety.17

HumbersideOfficers save thief from blazing infernoConstableStephenCaulfieldConstableDaniel Hermann18“They were aware thatthey were momentsfrom disaster.”Two brave Police Constables responded to reports of astolen car and ended up risking their lives to save thethief from a blazing inferno.PCs Daniel Hermann and Stephen Caulfield were onpatrol in Hull city centre when they received a call tosay that a car had been stolen. Later the officersspotted the reported vehicle in a narrow passagewaylocated at the back of a row of houses.Closer inspection revealed that the interior of the carwas ablaze and both doors appeared to be closed. Thecar was wedged into the passageway so the officerscalled for the fire brigade.As PC Hermann approached the vehicle, the fireflashed to full intensity and all of a sudden the driver’sdoor burst open. The heat was intense and caused theofficer to step away. However, PC Hermann spottedan unconscious man slumped in the driver’s seat of thecar.The officer called on his colleague, PC Caulfield, toassist him and the officers pulled the door open as faras they could but were unable to gain full access to thecar. Meanwhile the fire intensified - the officers couldsmell petrol and noticed a pile of newspapers on thefront seat. They were aware that they were momentsfrom disaster.The man’s feet were wedged into the foot well of thecar and due to him being unconscious he was a deadweight to lift. PC Hermann eventually managed toreach into the car and pull the man’s legs out. Theofficers then pulled him under the gap between thebottom of the driver’s door and the ground, which theymanaged due to sheer persistence and will-power.They administered first aid to the man, despite both ofthem suffering from smoke inhalation and minorburns. Following the event, the suspect took anunusual step and instructed his solicitor to write aletter of thanks to both officers for risking their lives tosave his.

Police Bravery AwardsKentConstableJay LangshawConstableWayne Owen“Despite the thick, acridsmoke and heat, the officersmanaged to remove thedriver from the car to a safedistance before the whole carbecame engulfed in flames.”Kent officers risk their lives to save adriver from a burning vehiclePCs Jay Langshaw and Wayne Owen were on patroltogether when they were sent to a traffic collision inthe local area. On arrival they found a car on its sidein a ditch with the engine engulfed in flames. Insidethey saw a female driver who appeared to betrapped.The fire was getting worse and starting to spread tothe inside of the car. Initially beaten back by thesmoke and heat of the fire, the officers tried tosubdue the flames with a fire extinguisher.Both officers gained entry to the car but discoveredthe driver’s feet were trapped. The fire, having beentemporarily abated, erupted again and started tospread to the footwell. The officers’ rescue attemptswere impeded by the thick black smoke and the heatcoming from the flames.However, without thought for their own safety, theofficers were determined to carry on and to rescuethe woman from the inferno. Despite the thick, acridsmoke and heat, the officers managed to remove thedriver from the car to a safe distance before thewhole car became engulfed in flames.The commitment, professionalism and braveryshown by the officers undoubtedly saved thewoman’s life.19

LancashireConstableIan McGintyConstableMarc Rigby“He was soaking wet,partially clothed, bare footedand armed with an eight inchkitchen knife. ”Lancashire Constables put the safety of thepublic firstPCs Ian McGinty and Marc Rigby were sent to a violentdomestic assault, during which the victim had her nose bittenoff and suffered a violent attack as she slept in her bed.The offender fled the scene armed with a large kitchen knifein search of a getaway car. He then attacked a lone femalewith the knife, broke into her house and stole her car. Theoffender crashed the car and took off running to an unknownlocation.Due to the circumstances, firearms authority was grantedand an armed search of local houses got underway.Meanwhile, the offender was spotted near a primary schoolbrandishing the knife. PC McGinty and PC Rigby werearmed and deployed to the scene. Upon arrival, the manemerged into the path of their vehicle. He was soaking wet,partially clothed, bare footed and armed with an eight inchkitchen knife.As both officers got out of their vehicle, the offender chargedtowards PC Rigby shouting “come on”, causing PC McGintyto discharge his Taser, which had no effect. PC Rigby alsodischarged his Taser, again to no effect.He launched himself at PC Rigby, who fearing for his life,took the safety catch off his firearm. However, the attackerwas now in front of the officer holding the knife downtowards him. PC Rigby managed to grab both wrists to stopthe male from stabbing him but he fell backwards with hisattacker now on top of him. The man tried to stab him overand over again. PC McGinty had to force the attacker off hiscolleague. The man was Tasered on four occasions before hewas brought under control.Both officers received cuts and bruises during the incident.The female victim required reconstructive surgery and theowner of the vehicle was severely traumatised by the incident.The dedication and courage shown by the officers wasastounding as they put their lives at risk in order to protectmembers of the public.20

Police Bravery AwardsLeicestershireConstableRyan LudlamConstableDavid O’SullivanConstableNicholas DaviesConstableTimothy BennettHeroic officers rescue pair fromblazing infernoOfficers on duty in Hinckley town centre noticedsmoke coming from a residential flat above a businesspremises and notified the Fire Brigade. Thesurrounding area was heaving with members of thepublic.PC Ryan Ludlum, PC David O’Sullivan, PC NicholasDavies, PC Timothy Bennett and Sergeant MarkFreer spotted a male banging on the already scorchedwindows of the flat, clearly in distress and crying forhelp.Feeling unable to wait for the Fire Brigade due to theurgency of the situation, the officers broke down thestreet-side communal doorway and having formed achain, made their way up a narrow staircase to anotherdoor which led into a small, acrid and smoke filledlanding area. The officers forced the door open andfound an extremely frightened female who wastrapped in the smoke filled landing area. Finding itdifficult to breathe, officers retreated with the femaleback to the street below.The officers took the collective decision to return tothe flat and attempted to save the remaining occupant.The officers battled intense heat and horrific fumes asthey tried to knock down the door. The Fire Brigadearrived and using their equipment managed to rescuethe man.The officers showed little thought for their personalsafety and their quick thinking actions undoubtedlysaved the lives of two people.SergeantMark Freer21

LincolnshireActing SergeantJason WrightConstablePaul Sandall“The heroic and swiftactions of the officers insuch trying and dangerousconditions saved theman’s life.”Brave officers rescue man from freezingriverActing Sergeant Jason Wright and PC Paul Sandallresponded to a call of a man in difficulty in the RiverTrent in the early hours of a cold February morning.On arrival, the officers could see that the water wasflowing fast and looked rough. The riverbank was sohigh that the man was unable to get out of the waterand was getting tired from attempting to get out. Thecurrent was so strong that the man was struggling tokeep his head above water.Acting Sergeant Wright jumped into the water tosupport the man and held his head above water, whilstPC Sandall anchored a rope and helped his colleague tokeep the man afloat. They tried to keep the manconscious by talking to him and reassuring him.After what felt like a long 20 minutes treading water,the Fire and Rescue crew arrived and winched the manback to the pavement.The heroic and swift actions of the officers in suchtrying and dangerous conditions saved the man’s life.22

Police Bravery AwardsMetropolitan IConstableAlan O’ConnorDetectiveConstableCharmainBrenyah“The villain pointed thegun at the officers andpulled the trigger threetimes…”Unarmed PCs tackle dangerous armedgangOn a cold December afternoon, PC Alan O’Connorand DC Charmain Brenyah were on routine uniformpatrol in a marked police car when a passing carcaught their attention. They soon learned that the carhad been stolen at gunpoint a few days earlier.The officers pursued the vehicle but were unable tostop it. The car took off erratically and dangerouslyovertook other vehicles on the road. PC O’Connormanaged to keep pace with the vehicle and eventuallyit pulled over.The officers were getting out of their patrol car whenthey realised the driver was holding a handgun. Thevillain pointed the gun at the officers and pulled thetrigger three times but the weapon did not discharge.The gang sped off. Despite the obvious risks, theofficers continued the pursuit.One of the gang members fired shots at the police car,shattering the windscreen. The officers continued tochase and managed to make contact with other unitsto provide back-up.The getaway car smashed straight into a police carand the gang members got out and started to run off.Officers O’Connor and Brenyah chased after them,conscious that there was a school close by. One of thevillains fired at the officers. In a desperate attempt toget free and to remove any forensic evidence one ofthe gang members jumped into a canal but the officerswere able to grab hold of him.The determination, professionalism and heroic actionsof the officers led to the arrest of a man connected to aseries of armed robberies. The other two occupants ofthe car were also arrested and convicted for similaroffences.23

Metropolitan IIConstableShaun CallowConstableShona McKay“Despite the obviousdanger, the two officersfollowed the armed maninto the car park andbegan searching for him.”Two officers tackle an armed anddangerous manTwo officers, PC Shaun Callow and PC Shona McKaywere in two different marked response vehicles, both outon patrol.PC Callow noticed that the occupants of a nearbyvehicle were acting very suspiciously and a check on thecar revealed that it was connected to drug dealing. PCCallow’s car pursued the drug dealers and PC McKaywas on route to assist.After some time, the drug dealers halted the car, thepassenger jumped out and started to run off. PC Callowfollowed him on foot but came under gunfire when theman turned and shot his firearm. PC Callow did not letthe obvious dangers to his life deter him and continuedhis efforts to catch the criminal.PC McKay joined PC Callow during the chase andboth pursued the suspect down an alleyway. Despite theobvious danger, the two officers followed the armed maninto the car park and began searching for him.They discovered him lying on the ground under a van.Acting instinctively and using the element of surprisethey dragged the suspect from under the van andhandcuffed him. The prisoner was searched and a pistolwas found in his waistband. A further search under thevan produced a quantity of crack cocaine.The prisoner was arrested for attempted murder,possession of a firearm and possession of class A drugs.The determination and professionalism shown by bothofficers meant that a very dangerous man was taken offthe streets.24

Police Bravery AwardsMetropolitan IIIConstableGarethBradley-Jones“That officer is a hero, hesaved my life. My son stillhas a father.”Lone PC rescues drug-run man fromdrowningDuring a routine bicycle patrol, PC Gareth Bradley-Jones came across a group of suspects thought to bepotential drug dealers.As the officer approached the gang, one of the malesdecided to make a run for it. The man jumped on a bikeand began pedalling furiously as he tried to make hisescape. The officer repeatedly asked the suspect to stop.PC Bradley-Jones pursued the suspect at great speed andas he drew closer, the man, dressed in a puffa jacketpanicked, jumped off his bicycle and plunged into theRiver Lea, attempting to swim to the other side in order toescape.It soon became apparent that the man was struggling tostay afloat and the weight of his clothing was causing himgreat difficulty. The suspect attempted to turnaround andswim back towards PC Bradley-Jones. The river currentwas too strong and the weight of his clothing dragged himunderwater. It quickly became obvious to the officer thathe would not be strong enough to make it to either side ofthe river.Without any consideration for his own safety, PCBradley-Jones plunged into the river to save the man. Ashe neared the spot where he last saw the man, he realisedhe was now underwater. PC Bradley-Jones dived underthe surface several times and eventually brought him backto the surface. He managed to get the man’s head abovethe water and then swam to the bank pulling the suspectalong.On the river bank, PC Bradley-Jones managed to propelthe man out of the river and pumped the water out of hislungs.Once the man had recovered, he was taken to the policestation and when interviewed about drug offences said“that officer is a hero, he saved my life. My son still has afather”.25

NorfolkSergeantAshleyWaterhouseConstableAdamjamesHovells“Sgt Ashley Waterhouseand PC AdamjamesHovells plunged into icywaters during the night inGreat Yarmouth, riskingtheir lives to save asuicidal man.”Norfolk officers plunged into freezingcold water to save a drowning manSgt Ashley Waterhouse and PC Adamjames Hovellsplunged into icy waters during the night in GreatYarmouth, risking their lives to save a suicidal man.The man was known to have mental health issues andhad been reported as missing some days beforehand.On arrival at the scene, they spotted the man walkingalong the cliff top. The weather conditions werehorrendous, with ice cold winds and falling snow.Other officers who arrived at the scene tried to reachout to the distressed man on the cliff top butunfortunately this only prompted him to start runningdown the cliff towards the seafront. Sgt Waterhouseand PC Hovells followed the man to try and stop himbut he dived into the sea.Despite it being labelled the coldest night of the year,with temperatures of minus eight degrees, SgtWaterhouse, dressed in his body armour, followed theman into the sea and managed to grab hold of him.The man grappled and fought with the officer and atthis point PC Hovells had also entered the water tohelp his colleague rescue the man. They managed todrag the man to shore after a few minutes of heavyresistance.The man continued to struggle with the officers on theshore and tried to break free a number of times beforeassistance arrived.The brave officers changed their clothes and resumedthe rest of their night duty. Their actions are highlycommendable and highlight the bravery inherent at thecore of policing.26

Police Bravery AwardsNorth WalesConstableJohn Harrison“Suddenly, and withoutwarning, the man pulledout a knife and launchedhimself towards PCHarrison.”Brave Constable stabbed in the headafter a routine arrestNorth Wales PC John Harrison responded to a callfrom West Midlands Police to assist with a search for amissing person. The missing male had sent a messageto his mother, threatening to kill himself.PC Harrison attended a train station where the manhad been seen. On arrival, the officer spotted the manstanding on the edge of the platform surrounded by acrowd. It quickly became clear to the officer that theman did not want him anywhere near him.With great sensitivity, PC Harrison attempted toconverse with the man without drawing the attentionof the other people present. Meanwhile the officer hadbeen informed that the man was wanted for breachinghis registered sex offender order. The man was edgingcloser and closer to the side of the platform and theofficer reached out to try and bring him to safety.Suddenly, and without warning, the man pulled out aknife and launched himself towards PC Harrison. Amember of the public tried to assist the officer. Theman brought the blade down on PC Harrison’s headwith a strong blow. The officer drew his baton andstruck the man on his right leg as he attempted todisarm him but was unsuccessful. The officer used hisCaptor Spray and asked the man to drop the knife.Eventually, the male surrendered but PC Harrisonsustained a four inch cut on his head and bruising. Hewas taken to hospital where doctors said he wasextremely fortunate not to have suffered a more seriousinjury.PC Harrison showed tremendous courage throughoutthe ordeal and despite being badly wounded, managedto detain the suspect and prevent any harm coming toother members of the public on the station platform.27

NottinghamshireConstableDean FentonSergeantJames Oliver“The dedication,commitment and braveryshown by both officers wentabove and beyond the callof duty in a very volatilesituation.”Off-duty and unequipped officersarrest dangerous offendersOff-duty Sgt James Oliver and PC Dean Fentonhad finished their night shift in August and weretravelling home when they spotted a known criminaland two accomplices trying to start a car withscrewdrivers.As they pulled over and called the control room, thethree offenders ran off. The two officers separatedand conducted a search for them, keeping the controlroom updated.As Sgt Oliver recovered some stolen property froma nearby driveway, he was attacked by the threesuspects, who were armed with tools.He managed to fight them off as they took turnsattacking him, and was even able to arrest one of themen for attempted theft of a motor vehicle and policeassault. PC Fenton also arrested the main offenderafter he attempted to run and hide in bushes nearby.A third man managed to escape after one of thesuspects drop kicked Sgt Oliver’s chest.Throughout the ordeal, Sgt Oliver sustainednumerous injuries including a broken hand andnumerous bruises and lesions.Both officers returned to the police station tocomplete a comprehensive handover before SgtOliver went to hospital for treatment.They both returned to work later the same day tocomplete another night shift. The dedication,commitment and bravery shown by both officerswent above and beyond the call of duty in a veryvolatile situation.28

Police Bravery AwardsSouth WalesDetectiveConstableAndrewO’Flanagan“The officer knew he wasat great risk of beingseriously injured as bothmen were armed withknives and desperate tobreak free.”Off-duty officer intercepts armedrobberyWhilst off-duty and driving past a shop in Swansea,DC Andrew O’Flanagan noticed two men acting verysuspiciously.The men were armed with large knives and hadattacked the shop assistant and demanded money fromthe till. Once they were satisfied that they had all thecash they took off running from the shop towards theirgetaway car.DC O’Flanagan immediately chased the culpritscausing one of them to trip and fall. The armedsuspect struggled and lashed out violently at theofficer but the officer used all his strength to knockhim to the ground. During the attack, DC O’Flanagandislocated his finger.Despite being injured, the officer restrained theculprit but struggled to match the man’s strength whowas now also calling out to his accomplice for someassistance. The officer knew he was at great risk ofbeing seriously injured as both men were armed withknives and desperate to break free.However, despite these difficult circumstances and thefear that he could have been stabbed by either culprit,the officer continued to restrain the culprit untiluniformed colleagues arrived at the scene.The heroic efforts of DC O’Flanagan led to the arrestat the scene of one male. Two further males werearrested including the getaway driver. There is nodoubt that the intervention of this brave detective ledto their arrests. His actions are highly commendable.29

South YorkshireConstablePaul Brackpool30“The vehicle rolled severaltimes before bursting intoflames and rolling backonto the motorway.”Off-duty officer attempts car firerescuePC Paul Brackpool was travelling along a busymotorway when the car in front started to drift acrosslanes. Instinct told the officer that something was notquite right.PC Brackpool was conscious of the potential dangerto other drivers so he positioned himself between lanesand put on his hazard lights. All of a sudden thevehicle in front spun across the carriageway andtravelled up the nearside bank.The vehicle rolled several times before bursting intoflames and rolling back onto the motorway. The carcontinued to spin on the main carriageway and theengine was ripped from the vehicle, landing right infront of the officer’s car.Finally the car came to a standstill and the officer hadmanaged to prevent any other cars from gettingdamaged by using his own car as a shield by slowingthe traffic down and alerting them to the potentialdanger.The officer asked his wife to call the emergencyservices whilst he stepped out onto the motorway andran towards the burning car. As he approached thevehicle he could see that the driver’s door had beenripped off and the driver was half out of the car, heldin by her seatbelt. The flames were intense.PC Brackpool entered the burning vehicle and triedto free the unconscious driver from her seat.Eventually somebody else at the scene came to assistand they managed to drag her to safety and administerfirst aid.PC Brackpool held the scene and directed members ofthe public to assist until the emergency servicesarrived.This officer acted with profound bravery despitebeing off duty and in a very dangerous situation. Hisquick thinking prevented a potential catastrophe.

Police Bravery AwardsSuffolkConstableMatthew Hammill“The flames began toengulf the car but PCHammill was determinedto rescue the man.”Off-duty PC rescues man fromburning carOff-duty PC Matthew Hammill was driving along abusy A-Road when suddenly he spotted a car on fireon the opposite side of the carriageway.He exited at the next available slip road andattended the burning car. On arrival at the scene henoticed there was a man trapped inside the vehicle.The flames began to engulf the car but PC Hammillwas determined to rescue the man.PC Hammill entered the inferno and helped the manto break free. He dragged the man to safety momentsbefore the car exploded.His decisive actions and quick thinking meant theman survived the horrendous ordeal. PC Hammillwaited at the scene until the arrival of the emergencyservices.This brave officer’s actions certainly saved the man’slife.31

West MerciaConstableDave WilliamsSergeantAndy JacksonSergeantDarren HeyesSergeantStuart Wells34Four officers risk their lives to defy theodds and rescue couple from infernoPC David Williams, a motorcyclist, was the first person fromthe emergency services to arrive at the scene of a serioustraffic collision involving four vehicles. Two of the vehicles hiteach other head on. One of the cars was on fire.The passengers from three cars were helped to safety. The carengulfed in flames started to spread to another vehicle. Twooccupants were trapped inside. PC Williams quickly tookcontrol of the scene. He could see that one of the passenger’sclothes had caught fire. He heard a scream, “Get me out, I’mburning”. Sgt Stuart Wells also arrived at the scene and triedto tackle the fire with an extinguisher, but to no avail.Sgt Wells entered the rear of the burning car and attemptedto slide the driver’s seat backwards, but due to the extent ofthe damage, was unsuccessful. Both officers were forced backfrom the driver by the intense heat and thick smoke, so theyfocused their attention on the passenger. PC Williams smashedthe passenger window, which released a thick plume of smokefrom inside the car, forcing the officers back.Sgt Andrew Jackson arrived at the scene just as hiscolleagues were forced to retreat from the driver’s side of thecar. The officer could see the driver’s clothing smoulderingand saw that he had severe burn injuries. He focused on thedriver whilst his colleagues tried to free the passenger whohad sustained a partial amputation to her hand and wasrapidly losing blood. Sgt Jackson tried to offer as muchreassurance as possible before he was forced to withdraw.Sgt Darren Heyes now attempted to separate the cars with atow rope in an attempt to reduce the fire spreading but therope snapped. He directed other colleagues to bring moreextinguishers to try and contain the fire whilst he assisted withrescuing the occupants of the vehicle.PC Williams spotted an oxygen cylinder in the back of thecar about to explode. Without any consideration for his safetyhe reached into the burning car, grabbed it and threw it out ofharm’s way. The fire service extinguished the fire andcompleted the rescue of the couple from the car, both of whomsurvived but with serious injury. Sadly a couple pulled earlierfrom their car both died of their injuries.All four officers showed astounding bravery, risking theirown safety in order to save others.

Police Bravery AwardsWest MidlandsOfficers foil violent armed robberyConstableAlan ReevesConstableLen Kelly“The officers could see thatthe shop assistant was beingthreatened with what lookedlike a handgun.”PCs Alan Reeves and Len Kelly were driving past ashop in an unmarked police car when they saw twomales using scarves to disguise themselves, actingsuspiciously.The officers could see that the shop assistant was beingthreatened with what looked like a handgun. One ofthe suspects hit the shop assistant on the head with thegun and threatened a female customer.Instinctively, the officers jumped out of their car and bynow the struggle had spilled out onto the street. PCReeves managed to arrest one of the suspects but theother one fled the scene carrying the firearm. Despiteknowing the man was armed, PC Kelly chased himthrough nearby gardens and eventually he was arrested.The officers also recovered the weapon and otherevidence.As a result of the courage and bravery shown by theofficers both men were jailed for nine years.35

West YorkshireConstableAaron Horsfall“PC Horsfall, withoutconcern for his own safetyand knowing that help wasseveral minutes away,rushed into the burninghouse to check foroccupants.”Officer drags three men from burninghousePC Aaron Horsfall was on patrol when he noticed alarge amount of smoke billowing across the road. Hequickly identified that the smoke was coming from ahouse and a vehicle that were both on fire.As the officer pulled up to use his radio to call forassistance, the burning vehicle exploded into a largeball of flames. To his amazement a man thenstaggered from the burning vehicle and ran from thescene.PC Horsfall, without concern for his own safety andknowing that help was several minutes away, rushedinto the burning house to check for occupants. Hehad to pass the burning vehicle to gain access to thehouse.After physically breaking down the rear door, theofficer entered the burning house and made his way tothe first floor where he found two men asleep.Despite both being heavily drunk and disorientated,he managed to support and guide the pair of themthrough the house to safety. Once outside, despite hisown exhaustion, PC Horsfall managed to establishfrom the men, who spoke only limited English, thatanother male was still inside in an attic bedroom.Re-entering the burning house, as the fire spreadferociously, the officer made his way to the atticbedroom and approached the third man who beganattacking him. He managed to restrain the man,before dragging him from the house as he continued tofight and resist.PC Horsfall was taken to hospital by ambulance andtreated for carbon monoxide poisoning and smokeinhalation.36

Police Bravery AwardsWiltshireConstableCarl JonesConstableSandraHiggins-Hughes“Without any warning, theman fired the weapon threetimes at PC Jones…”Officers face gunfire at a ‘routine’domesticPCs Carl Jones and Sandra Higgins-Hughes weresent to a domestic dispute.On arrival, the officers initially spoke to the femaleoccupant who appeared flustered and immediately leftthe officers to attend to her children upstairs.PC Jones and PC Higgins-Hughes found the maleoccupant of the address with a male friend in thelounge. Both males were drunk and continued to playa video game despite the officers trying to engage themin conversation to assess the situation. The officerscould see one of the men had bleeding injuries to hisnose and lip.The female occupant eventually said that one of themales had accused her of being unfaithful and grabbedher around the throat and used his fist to cause injuryto her face.PC Jones decided to arrest the man but the suspectsoon turned nasty. PC Jones drew his incapacitantspray and warned the man, who without warning,pulled a gun from behind the sofa.The man pointed the weapon directly at the officersbut PC Higgins-Hughes managed to call forassistance. Neither officer fled the scene but remainedin the room as they were worried for the safety of thewoman and the children upstairs.Without any warning, the man fired the weapon threetimes at PC Jones but somehow managed to miss him.PC Jones discharged his incapacitant at the man andalthough immediately affected by the spray, the manwas still able to throw the weapon at the officers.However, he was restrained, handcuffed and arrestedeven though both officers were also now affected bythe spray.The officers showed astounding bravery and put thesafety of others before their own.37

Print & Design: The Police Federation