Hero Louisa recognised at Bravery Awards

10 July 2026

PC Louisa Anderson proudly represented Derbyshire Police at last night’s National Police Bravery Awards, the 31st edition event of its kind.

The prestigious ceremony took place in London yesterday (Thursday 9 July) and was hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

Louisa was nominated following her courageous actions during a mental health incident in Sinfin, Derby, in June 2025.

Using her specialist firearms and medical training, she helped save the life of a man who was repeatedly stabbing himself, showing exceptional courage, compassion and professionalism during an incredibly challenging situation.

Louisa made the trip to the capital, where she was joined by her partner PC Sarah Ellis from Derbyshire Police’s dog unit and attended an exclusive reception at 10 Downing Street with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood ahead of the evening’s ceremony.

PFEW national chair Tiff Lynch opened the awards event with a passionate speech congratulating nominees from across England and Wales.

 

PC Louisa Anderson (centre) at the PFEW Bravery Awards.

 

She said: “Tonight, we will hear stories of individual valour – accounts of sensitivity and love in the face of the most heartbreaking vulnerability.

“Every nominee story is in the brochure on your table, and I ask that you take the time to read all of them. Because together, they paint a remarkable picture of modern policing.

“Policing asks a lot - you only have to look into the eyes of the people waiting for you to come home after every shift to understand that. It asks you to walk towards danger when everyone else is running away, and it asks you to make split-second, life-changing decisions in unpredictable circumstances.

Courageous and compassionate

“It asks you to be courageous and compassionate in equal measure.”

While maintaining that “this night is for celebration”, Tiff also paid tribute to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

She added: “I’d like to invite you all to stand with me for a moment to remember the police officers whose lives we have mourned in the last year.”

The Home Secretary later addressed ceremony guests with a video message, thanking nominated officers for their commitment to protecting the public.

Celebrating heroism

She said: “It is my privilege to serve as your Home Secretary and to represent you all in government, especially on a day like today as we celebrate acts of heroism which would otherwise go unheralded.

“With these awards, we honour your bravery, and we think too of your colleagues on duty right now, as well as your families who share your sacrifice and the officers and staff no longer with us.

“Today is a chance to say what is too rarely said: thank you, on behalf of the whole country, for the danger you face and the lengths you go to in keeping the rest of us safe.

“I want to issue you with a firm instruction to put away your modesty and soak up the praise that is coming your way tonight.”

Compassion and professionalism

Reflecting on Louisa’s nomination, Derbyshire Police Federation wellbeing and CAPLO lead Helen Gallear said the award was a fitting recognition of her courage and commitment.

Helen said: “Louisa’s actions are a fantastic example of the courage, compassion and professionalism that officers demonstrate every day.

“She modestly describes what she did as simply doing her job, but the reality is that she was faced with an extremely challenging and dangerous situation and used her training and expertise to protect life.

“The National Police Bravery Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the remarkable work carried out by our members and to celebrate those moments when officers go above and beyond to keep people safe.

Incredibly proud

“Everyone at Derbyshire Police Federation is incredibly proud of Louisa and the way she represented the Force at such a prestigious event.”

The National Police Bravery Awards celebrate the outstanding courage, dedication and professionalism of police officers across England and Wales, recognising those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

READ MORE: Hero officer honoured to represent Force at Downing Street.