The best in policing honoured at Federation’s Bravery and Excellence Awards

19 May 2025

The courage, commitment and selflessness of dozens of Federation members has been honoured at this year’s Recognition of Bravery and Excellence in Policing Awards.

Hosted by Northamptonshire Police Federation, the event took place on Friday (16 May) at the town’s Mercure Hotel and recognised 45 people across the evening who attended with their loved ones.

Attending the prestigious event were former Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable (1986-1993) Sir David O’Dowd CBE OStJ QPM, as well as local journalist John Griff, Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, who both presented an award.

Former Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Sir David O’Dowd (left)
with branch chair Sam Dobbs.

Addressing the audience, branch chair Sam Dobbs welcomed the award winners, adding: “If you’re supporting somebody who is getting an award, you are even more welcome because you are the people who lend us your loved ones to come and do this strange thing that we do called policing.

He continued: “We are here to celebrate all that’s good in policing. Turn the volume up tonight on the excellence and pride in policing - it’s what we all joined for, so why not celebrate it?

“Some of the stories you might hear tonight might remind you of an on-screen drama or series. This isn’t a drama, this is real life - played out by real people in Northamptonshire. You’re going to hear acts of bravery, excellence in the call of police duty.

Crime fighting 

“You’ll hear outstanding contributions to the support of policing, as well as excellence in crime fighting - taking bad people and the misery they cause off the streets.

“So often you hear ‘it was all just part of the job’, but I can assure you, being assaulted ‘is not part of the job’, being abused ‘is not part of the job’ and what we should never forget is the part of the job when people give it their all.

“Tonight is recognition of colleagues, nominated by colleagues, supported by colleagues, and now celebrated by colleagues and loved ones.”

The night was split into six categories: National Bravery, Local Bravery, Women in Policing, Saving Lives and Protecting People, Crime Excellence and Policing Excellence.

Branch chair Sam Dobbs and branch secretary Charlotte Pateman.

Each award was chosen by the Bravery and Recognition of Good Work Panel, which is chaired by branch secretary Charlotte Pateman.

The main sponsor of the event was Leicestershire Police Federation Medical Scheme. Chair of Leicestershire Police Federation and Trustee of the Scheme, Andy Spence, presented the Crime Excellence category.

Humbling

Andy said: “It’s so humbling to attend this event, as we celebrate some of the bravest and kindest people in Northamptonshire Police.

“This event symbolises everything good in policing, and showcases those people who really take pride in their work. 

“There are so many amazing stories being heard tonight. But we need to recognise that this is what police officers do, day in and day out. They run towards dangers without a moment's hesitation.

“This is what policing is all about - it’s not what is spoken about in the media.”

Branch chair Sam Dobbs addresses the attendees.

Sir David O’Dowd echoed Andy’s comments, adding: “This is the first time I’ve come out of retirement for a long while and I’m extremely proud and honoured to be here.

“Policing has changed a lot since I first started - the world has changed a lot in that time. But the ethos around policing remains the same.

“These Awards showcase the best of today’s Northamptonshire Police, but they’re not just for the winners, they are for their families too. Their loved ones are as much part of the police family and deserve such recognition.”

John Griff said he was ‘delighted’ to be able to ‘celebrate’ the people who ‘go above and beyond’ to keep the ‘rest of us safe’.

Recognition

“All too often, these people don’t get the recognition they deserve because it’s a job they do, day in day out,” said John.

He added: “But in reality, the majority of people wouldn’t do this job, thank goodness for those in policing for doing what they do.”

Among those who received an award were PCs Callum Simpson and Anna O’Donoghue, who will be representing Northamptonshire Police at this year’s national Police Bravery Awards.

The pair have been recognised after rescuing members of the public in a serious fire, following a high-speed collision with a fuel pump.

Award

Speaking on the evening, Anna, who was joined by her partner Marcus Baker, said: “It feels amazing to receive this award. I didn’t expect it at all.”

Callum’s mum, Karen Simpson, attended alongside her son. She said: “Callum lost his dad four years ago on 23rd May. I know how proud his dad would be of him tonight.”

Callum added: “To be recognised is wonderful, but it doesn’t feel like I’ve done enough to be here. All I want to do is help people and protect the public - and that’s exactly what I was doing that day.”

READ MORE: Dozens of Fed members to be recognised at bravery and excellence event.