Fed member does branch proud at national Bravery Awards

11 July 2025

Dyfed Powys Police Officer Jonathan Tatam says it was an 'amazing feeling' to be part of this year's national Police Bravery Awards.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) event, which was in its 30th year, was held in London last night (Thursday 10 July).

Jonathan was nominated for the Bravery Award after his heroic actions saved a driver trapped inside a burning car, following a three-vehicle road traffic collision.

He made the trip down to the capital alongside his mum, Rosanne, and enjoyed an exclusive Downing Street reception with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper earlier in the day.

 

 

Speaking to the Federation, he said: “As the day got closer and closer, I was really looking forward to it, and for good reason – it was a very special day, ended by a brilliant awards ceremony.

“It was an amazing feeling to be among so many other inspirational police officers and share our stories and nominations with each other. For everyone to be able to take a pause from our busy work lives and receive some appreciation was genuinely lovely, and I think you could feel that in the atmosphere last night.

“As we always say, we were simply doing our jobs, but there’s no doubt we do take risks and push ourselves every day, so the recognition was very much welcomed and I feel lucky to have been treated to such a superb day, from start to finish.”

Jonathan was part of the Region 7 category on the night, which was won by officers at South Wales Police.

The overall winners of the Bravery Awards were Merseyside Police Officers, Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, PC Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry, from Merseyside Police

Danger

The trio confronted and detained Axel Rudakubana after he killed three children at a dance class in Southport on Monday 29 July 2024.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) chair Tiff Lynch got proceedings underway by saying: “Police officers across England and Wales step forward each day with unwavering dedication, never knowing what challenges they may face.

“In the face of uncertainty, danger and adversity, they act with courage and professionalism – not for accolades or applause, but because they truly believe in their duty to protect others.

“Tonight, as we celebrate the 30th Police Bravery Awards, we come together to recognise those whose actions have gone far beyond what is expected.”

The Home Secretary herself was present at the evening ceremony and was full of praise for the nominees.

She said: “Tonight, we are saying thank you. I have been here many times before in different roles, but this is my second time here as Home Secretary, and it comes just at the end of my first year in the position.

Honour

“It has been a huge honour to see every single day this year, the incredible work that policing does in so many parts of the country, in so many different ways.

“And I want to specifically honour the huge bravery shown by the nominees tonight. Some of those I have spoken to have said, ‘I shouldn’t have been nominated, because look at the bravery that everyone else has shown’.

“While I agree that everybody else has too, I would say please do let us pay tribute to you, because the bravery you've shown in those split-second moments has been truly incredible and has helped save and change lives.”

Ms Cooper briefly mentioned Jonathan’s heroics in her speech, as she discussed the nominations of ‘officers trying to rescue individuals trapped in the most terrible of situations’.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson DBE was also in attendance at the event, and added: “To every single nominee, you deserve all the plaudits and praise you receive. Regardless of whether you won or not, I hope you are all feeling incredibly proud of yourselves. For all that you have done and continue to do, thank you.”

Guests were honoured with a video message from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who congratulated nominees on their achievements.

Communities

“As Prime Minister, I get the chance to meet and learn from amazing people – people like incredible police officers and staff up and down the country. Those who go out of their way to keep our communities safe,” he said.

“I know that again and again last summer, we saw the incredible spirit of public service in our police as so many of you stood firm against disorder, facing bricks, kicks, burning bins, and violent mobs in order to keep our communities safe.

“It’s that spirit of public service that all of you at the Police Bravery Awards embody in bucket loads, because when faced with life-threatening risks, or an acutely distressing situation, most people would run or back away.

“You are a credit to yourselves, your families, your forces, and our country. Thank you for everything you do.”

Reflecting on the Bravery Awards, branch chair Delme Rees said: “Once again, it was a pleasure to represent the Federation at this special event.

“I am very pleased Jonathan had a nice evening with his fellow nominees, as his policing excellence was celebrated.

“As the Bravery Awards come and go for another year, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all our members for all the unbelievable work they do for our profession day in, day out – you all deserve to be recognised for everything you do.”

READ MORE: Nominee enjoys exclusive reception with Home Secretary.