Federation sends good luck message to Bravery Award nominees

10 July 2024

PCs Dave Burgess, Joanne Ollerenshaw and Sam Walsh are nominated for putting their own lives in danger to protect the public and ambulance staff from a violent and aggressive man.

Branch secretary Helen Scholefield said: “All three officers acted in the finest traditions of the police service, heading towards danger to protect others.

“They acted selflessly and heroically to keep the public and ambulance staff safe from what was a vicious and sustained attack."

North Yorkshire's Bravery Award nominees.

The officers were called to a report of a man with a knife who was reportedly suffering a mental health episode at an address in Cross Hills.

They arrived in the early hours of 24 August 2022, to be confronted by the attacker, who emerged from a basement window armed with a metal grate.

The officers initially tried to speak to him and calm him down but his violent behaviour continued.

They then discharged two Tasers in a bid to subdue the man, but they had no effect.

At this point, he charged at the officers and carried out a sustained onslaught of extreme violence towards them.

Safely restrained

At times, the officers struggled to shield themselves from the attack and did not know if they would survive, but continued to show outstanding bravery to keep the public and paramedics safe.

Support was eventually provided by colleagues from West Yorkshire Police and the attacker was safely restrained and given the medical attention he needed.

Helen added: “These officers are an absolute credit to the police service and we’re extremely proud that they have received a Police Bravery Award nomination.

“On behalf of everyone here at North Yorkshire Police Federation, we wish them all the best for the evening.”

The annual national Police Bravery Awards are organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), with this year’s ceremony taking place tomorrow (Thursday 11 July) in London.

The officers will be joined at the awards by Federation rep Elaine Malcom.