Nottinghamshire officers named regional winner at National Police Bravery Awards

14 July 2023

Two Nottinghamshire Police officers who risked their lives to tackle a violent knifeman who had stabbed one of them multiple times have been named as regional winners at the 2023 National Police Bravery Awards.

Sergeant Dan Griffin and PC Amy Pannell were honoured for their courage at a presentation ceremony in London.

The duo were presented with their award by the deputy chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Tiff Lynch.

Speaking about the award Dan said: “It’s a phenomenal honour to have received the award and it was a complete surprise. There were so many fantastic examples in the room that could have won. 

“Personally though, I feel this award isn’t just for us - it’s for our loved ones too. They are the true unsung heroes, who continue to support us day-in-day-out.”

Dan attended the award with his wife Emma, while Amy was joined by her partner Simon. They also joined nominees from forces across England and Wales at a morning Downing Street reception hosted by Home Secretary Suella Braverman ahead of the awards ceremony.

Left to right: Police Federation national deputy chair Tiff Lynch, Nottinghamshire branch chair Simon Riley, award winners PS Dan Griffin and PC Amy Pannell, Nottinghamshire Chief Constable Kate Meynell and Police Federation national chair Steve Hartshorn

Amy added: “It just feels amazing. There are so many worthy winners nominated, all of whom have done such remarkable things, I was in total shock when our names were called.

“As we’ve said before, we were just doing our jobs that day. So to be honoured and recognised is incredible.”

Dan and Amy won their regional award after an incident in April 2022. They stopped the two men to carry out a search, but one of them resisted and began making threats and being aggressive, before eventually pulling a knife out.

Dan was stabbed multiple times by the attacker and credits his PPE, training and teamwork for saving his life while Amy’s actions in protecting her colleague and helping detain the offender earned her a nomination.

Despite being in extreme pain and bleeding heavily, Dan was able to deploy his PAVA spray to full effect before tackling the offender to the ground.

He was immediately assisted by Amy who, ignoring the danger and at great risk to herself, subdued the attacker by pinning his legs down while he remained uncuffed until further assistance arrived.

Chair of Nottinghamshire Police Federation Simon Riley who accompanied Dan and Amy to the event said: “The Police Bravery Awards are the highlight of the policing year and I never fail to be amazed by the incredible acts of bravery showcased throughout the evening.

“It was an honour to accompany Dan and Amy to the awards ceremony and to see their brave actions recognised. 

“I am beyond proud of both officers, who demonstrated extreme courage and bravery, as they - like so many police officers - put their lives on the line to ensure our communities are kept safe.”

The overall winners on the night were from West Midlands Police – 14 officers who risked their lives to pull four children from a frozen river in December and perform CPR, though sadly the youngsters could not be saved.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to all the officers who were nominated at the 28th Annual Police Bravery Awards, sponsored by Police Mutual.

He said “I am acutely aware of the pivotal role that the police play in our society. We depend on officers to fight crime and keep us safe. This is public service of the most noble kind and everyone working in policing has my enduring gratitude and admiration.”

National Federation chair Steve Hartshorn said of the nominees: “Their commitment to the role and extraordinary sense of duty is incredible, as they will humbly tell you they have carried out these selfless acts because this is what they are supposed to do. Their actions of going above and beyond the call of duty is truly inspiring.”