Federation sends good luck message to bravery nomination

10 July 2024

Northamptonshire Police Federation chair Sam Dobbs has sent a good luck message to a branch member who is up for a national bravery award.

PC Matt O’Brien was nominated for the Police Federation’s Bravery Award after using himself as a human shield to protect a woman being attacked by a dangerously out-of-control dog.

Branch chair Sam said: “Daventry has a history of incidents involving dangerous, out-of-control dogs - and our officers are very much aware of the risk that comes in these situations. Despite this, Matt displayed astonishing bravery, putting his own life in danger to protect the public and his colleagues.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Matt’s quick thinking and courageous actions saved the woman’s life, and he fully deserves his nomination.

Downing Street

“I feel honoured and excited to be joining Matt in London tomorrow [Thursday 11 July], not only for the award ceremony but also at this year’s Downing Street reception, especially following the recent General Election.

“On behalf of everyone at Northamptonshire Police Federation, I wish him the best of luck.”

The woman was already bleeding heavily after suffering a significant neck injury and a bite to her arm when Matt arrived at a property in Daventry on 8 July last year.

The dog was still in the garden with the injured woman and was extremely aggressive and unpredictable.

A young girl at the house had been moved to a neighbouring property by members of the public, who had managed to lock a second dog inside the house.

Victim

Matt climbed over the fence into the garden with just a police support unit shield and a dog pole to protect himself and the victim.

He placed himself between the dog and the woman to create space for colleagues to provide emergency first aid.

Matt secured the animal using the dog pole and moved it further away from the victim and the officers to ensure their safety and that the woman could be evacuated safely.

The Police Federation Bravery Awards will take place in London this Thursday (11 July).