Heroic officer recognised at 2024 national Police Bravery Awards

18 July 2024

Northamptonshire Police Federation’s nominee for the national Police Bravery Awards was among the officers honoured at an event held in London.

PC Matt O’Brien was nominated for the Federation’s Region 4 Bravery Award for his heroics in acting as a human shield to protect a woman being attacked by a dangerously out-of-control dog last July.

The woman had sustained neck and arm injuries from the attack before Matt could arrive at the scene. When he reached her garden, he found her already bleeding and faced by the dog, which was still aggressive and unpredictable.

He 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, before eventually securing the animal.

An honour and privilege

Matt and his partner Charlotte attended the bravery awards, which were held on Thursday 11 July, alongside Northamptonshire Police Federation chair Sam Dobbs. Acting Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet and the county’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone were also in attendance.

PC Matt O’Brien and his wife, Charlotte outside No 10 Downing Street.

“This was my fifth national Police Bravery Awards which for me, along with all fellow Federation chairs, is an honour, privilege and undoubtedly a highlight of the year,” said Sam.

“The awards really showcase all the good in policing, and should act as a reminder to the public of the amazing officers across England and Wales.

“Every story leaves you tingling - stories that once again see officers running towards danger. This year was all the more shocking given the levels of violence towards officers, who continuously put themselves between danger and the public they are protecting. I just wish the awards could be seen by more people.

“The dedication you feel from each cop, along with their commitment to the job, as well as the love and pride that beams from their loved ones, is something really spectacular.”

Heroes

Sam continued: “Matt is a true example of bravery. Like all the candidates he saw his act of bravery as ‘just doing my job’. It’s a job like no other daily performed by people who I continue to proudly describe as heroes.

“I know both Matt and Charlotte enjoyed their time in London; they deserved it.”

The Region 4 category was won by an officer from Lincolnshire who attempted to save a nine-year-old girl’s life after she had been stabbed.

Missing out on the regional award did not diminish the day of celebration enjoyed by Matt, who was first present at an exclusive Downing Street reception held for nominees and guests before the awards ceremony itself in the evening.

The reception was attended by the newly appointed Home Sectetary, Yvette Cooper, and the minister for policing, Dame Diana Johnson DBE, and was the first official event held by members of the new UK Government after the General Election.

The 29th Police Bravery Awards ceremony kicked off with an introduction from the acting national chair for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), Tiff Lynch.

She said: “Tonight, we will hear extraordinary stories of bravery. Officers who will say, ‘It’s just part of the job’, but it’s not just part of the job – it’s going above and beyond the requirements of the job, and tonight we get the chance to recognise and thank those officers.”

Inspirational

Ms Cooper was at her 14th bravery awards and also addressed the audience: “The reason I’ve attended so many Police Bravery Awards is because I think it’s so important to respect and recognise the work you do.

“And because the stories are always so inspirational, often so difficult, the incredibly difficult situations you have faced. The extreme violence that you will have had to work towards, the dangerous rescues that so many of you have undertaken.”

Overall winners on the night were two Metropolitan Police members, PCs Alannah Mulhall and Joe Gerrard, who picked up the title for their courage in protecting the public in Leicester Square in the capital despite being stabbed multiple times.

Towards the end of the event, Dame Diana delivered her own speech: “To you and all your colleagues, for what you do to keep the public safe, thank you. I was struck by the impressive people you are.

“A phrase that stuck out for me is ‘forever going into the unknown’.

“Your families must be so proud of you. I am so proud of you. To those here tonight, be proud of what you do. It could not matter more,” she said.

Hosting the event was TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith, with Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington among the guests.

The annual event is organised by the PFEW and is sponsored by Police Mutual.