Dyfed Powys nominee attends Bravery Awards ceremony

10 July 2026

Heroic officer PC Spencer Rourke proudly represented Dyfed Powys Police at the 31st national Police Bravery Awards last night.

Hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), the annual event took place yesterday evening (Thursday 9 July) in London.

Spencer received a nomination following his incredible late-night rescue of a woman caught 100 metres out at sea in May 2025.

He was joined in London by his son, Jacob, and made a special visit to 10 Downing Street for an exclusive reception with the Home Secretary before the evening’s awards ceremony.

Spencer’s Region 7 category was won by counterparts at Gwent Police, while officers at the Metropolitan Police were announced as overall winners for their response to the Hainault attacks in April 2024.

Left to right: Dyfed Powys Police Federation chair Delme Rees, PC Spencer Rourke and his son Jacob.

PFEW national chair Tiff Lynch began the night with a heartfelt speech on the dedication of both the nominees in the room and of the wider policing family.

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 compassionatie

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

Later, while maintaining ‘this night is for celebration’, Tiff appealed for a short period of remembrance for 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.”

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood once again addressed nominees and guests - this time through a video message paying tribute to the ability of policing to put public safety before anything else.

“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.

Honouring bravery

“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.” 

As another Bravery Awards comes to a close, branch chair Delme Rees said the event remains every bit as special and rewarding as ever.

Truly exceptional

“I’d like to congratulate Spencer once again and reiterate that what he did to save the life of a drowning woman was truly exceptional and thoroughly deserving of a nomination,” Delme said.

“I’m delighted he was able to enjoy such a fantastic day in London, culminating in a wonderful ceremony where officers are recognised for their outstanding actions and receive the genuine appreciation they so richly deserve.

“As always, I’m sure the Bravery Awards not only celebrated those remarkable achievements but also gave Spencer the opportunity to meet other inspirational people with incredible stories of courage and dedication.

“Just as I’m immensely proud of Spencer, I’m equally proud of every one of our Federation members, who continue to go above and beyond every day to protect the public and uphold the integrity, professionalism and commitment of our service.”

READ MORE: Bravery Awards nominee 'humbled' by colleagues' stories.