Fed members represent Durham Constabulary at 31st national Police Bravery Awards

10 July 2026

PCs Andy Docherty and Josh Laddie did Durham Constabulary proud at last night’s national Police Bravery Awards as they attended the 31st edition of the event.

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

Andy and Josh were nominated after they broke up a violent knife attack, which saw one highly dangerous suspect arrested and the life of a second individual potentially saved.

Both officers made the trip down to the capital, where they were joined by loved ones and enjoyed an exclusive reception at 10 Downing Street with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood before the evening’s ceremony.

 

Branch chair Louise Guest with Andy and Josh on stage at the Bravery Awards

 

They were part of the Region 2 category on the night, which was won by nominees at Humberside Police.

Meanwhile, officers from the Metropolitan Police were announced as overall winners for their response to the Hainault attacks in April 2024.

PFEW national chair Tiff Lynch got proceedings underway with a passionate speech congratulating all nominees from across the country.

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

Unpredictable

“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.

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

While maintaining ‘this night is for celebration’, Tiff went on to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, adding: “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, Shabana Mahmood, later addressed ceremony guests with a video message, where she thanked nominated officers for their invaluable work in helping to protect the public.

Privilege

“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,” she said.

“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.

Branch chair Louise Guest attended the event, as well as Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary Rachel Bacon.

 

Louise Guest, Andy and Josh are on stage with Durham Police Chief
Constable Rachel Bacon

 

Reflecting on another year of the Bravery Awards, Louise says she was delighted Andy and Josh were able to relish such a special occasion. 

Louise said: “It’s always wonderful for Federation members to experience such a special event. From start to finish, they are celebrated and recognised, and made to feel like the incredible officers and people they truly are.

“I only wish every member had the opportunity to attend because they are all so deserving. We’re immensely proud of every one of them, every single day.

“I’m delighted Andy and Josh had such a fantastic evening because it’s impossible to overstate the bravery and professionalism they showed when they intervened in such an extremely dangerous brawl involving weapons.

“Their actions required exceptional courage and commitment, which is why they were so deserving of national recognition. While they didn’t take home the award, I’m sure one of the highlights of the evening was meeting the other nominees, hearing their remarkable stories and sharing such a special occasion in such distinguished company.”

READ MORE: Bravery Awards nominees enjoy special Downing Street reception.