Good luck to Bravery Awards nominee

8 July 2026

Derbyshire Police Federation has wished PC Louisa Anderson good luck as she prepares to represent the Force at the national Bravery Awards.

Louisa was nominated following her courageous actions during a mental health incident in Sinfin, Derby, in June 2025, when she used her specialist training and decisive action to save the life of a man who was repeatedly stabbing himself.

Louisa attended the address with a colleague to assist in executing a warrant.

On arrival, the officers had to drill the lock to gain entry, and as they attempted to open the door, they found it had been barricaded from the inside.

They could only open the door a few inches initially, which prevented them from getting a clear view.

The officers applied more pressure and created a wider gap through which they could see a man repeatedly stabbing himself.

Louisa, a former combat medic in the Royal Army Medical Corps, assessed that the man was at risk of a catastrophic bleed and needed immediate attention.

She is also firearms trained and, after drawing her Taser and issuing a warning, discharged through the narrow gap in the door. The deployment was successful, and the man fell backwards.

Stabbed

Louisa took the opportunity to remove her body armour, then squeezed through the opening and entered the flat.

However, as she reached the man, the Taser cycle ended and he resumed stabbing himself.

Louisa re-energised the Taser to protect herself and prevent the man continuing to hurt himself and safely disarmed him.

She then gave life-saving first aid while the scene was brought under control.

Her actions have earned her a nomination for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Bravery Awards in London.

Special occasion

Ahead of the ceremony, Derbyshire Police Federation secretary Chris Parker said: "On behalf of everyone at Derbyshire Police Federation, I wish Louisa the best of luck.

"Her courage and quick thinking in difficult circumstances undoubtedly saved this person’s life.

“The calmness and determination she demonstrated are a credit to her and to her incredible skills and training.

"Being nominated for a PFEW Bravery Award is a fitting recognition of her outstanding actions.

“We hope she enjoys what promises to be a very special occasion.”

READ MORE: Fed member reflects on 'surreal but amazing' Bravery Awards nomination.