Federation wishes luck to 2024 Bravery Awards nominees

9 July 2024

Federation secretary Kirsty Bunn has praised the team of Derbyshire police officers nominated for the 2024 national Police Bravery Awards ahead of the ceremony this week.

Led by Inspector Nick Booth, the officers displayed tremendous courage in response to a serious crowd disorder at Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League match at home to Legia Warsaw last November. Nick described the incident as the worst public order violence he has witnessed in his policing career.

Working with colleagues from West Midlands and Nottinghamshire, PC Ryan McGrath, PC Christopher Harrold, PC Tammy Careless, PC Adam Podam, PC Rebecca Callan, PC Matthew Copestake, and an officer who wishes to remain anonymous were all attacked with a variety of missiles, including bottles, bricks and hammers, by Legia supporters as they approached Villa Park before kick-off.

Kirsty said: “The level of bravery on show by the team that evening was incredible. Not only was the violence extremely aggressive, but it was sustained and organised, too. They remained strong as a unit to prevent the risk of further violence and harm to local supporters and the rest of the general public.

Extremely aggressive

“I wish them all the best for the Awards ceremony and I hope they all enjoy their nights. They have certainly done Derbyshire proud.”

Representing the Federation alongside Kirsty at the Bravery Awards, set to be held this Thursday (11 July) in London, will be workplace representative Tenielle Hardwick, who also commended the nominees.

“The officers deserve a lot of credit for their actions as that incident could not have been easy to deal with. It shows a great deal of commitment to public safety to stand in front of that crowd and face the hostility being directed towards them,” said Tenielle. 

“I would like to wish them the best of luck for the evening.”

Present at the ceremony on behalf of Derbyshire Constabulary will be Chief Constable Rachel Swann and the newly-elected Police and Crime Commissioner, Nicolle Ndiweni.

You can read more about the nomination here.